Maria A Forde

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MARIA ALEXANDRIA (ROLLINS) FORDE was born in Rockley, Christ Church, Barbados, West Indies on April 27, 1937 to Ilene H. Rollins. She was the eldest of five siblings and was predeceased by one sister, Lolita, and two brothers: David, who died at a young age, and a stillborn. Maria was educated at the St. Matthias’ School for Girls in Christ Church. At an early age, Maria left school to help take care of her siblings, as that was a norm during her generation. Maria met and married Kenneth Forde of Kendal Hill, Christ Church, in June 1962. From this union came five children: Mitchum Anthony (deceased), Margo Debra, Catherine, Kenneth Jr., and Theresa. 

In the 1970s, the family emigrated to the United States, settling in Boston, Massachusetts and later moving to Cambridge, MA. Maria worked tirelessly in the medical field as a nurse’s aide for nearly forty years at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary.

Maria was passionate about sewing and everything related to it. She owned three sewing machines and loved to visit stores like Zayres, Bradlees, Caldors, Woolworth, and SewLo to buy fabric, and would even travel downtown to the garment district in Chinatown to get materials. She loved to sew both menswear and womenswear. Through the years, Maria even made blouses for the First Holiness Church Youth Choir. She was in her glory watching award shows on television, and the elegance and pageantry of the gowns intrigued her. She especially loved watching the British Royal Family to view the tapestry of designer dresses; Princess Diana was her favorite. Maria had many other varied interests: She enjoyed watching daytime soap operas (“All My Children” and “General Hospital” being her favorites) and crime shows such as “Law & Order.” She loved to dress sophisticatedly for special events, wearing rhinestones, high heels, earrings, and having her nails done. She loved wearing perfume, especially Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds, and using Olay skin care. If you told her she looked cute, she would smile, giggle, and say, “I know!” Maria’s furry friends, Axel & Luna the family dogs, were a joy to her. Despite not having an economics degree, Maria was adept at managing family finances, a skill which resulted in home ownership. And Grandma’s house was the place to be—there was always something fun happening there, including hearing some of Maria’s favorite Bajan sayings: “Stop the skylarking,” “Don’t vex my soul,” and “What’s wrong with wunna?” “You’re bored? Well, go read a book.” You need to know the Word for yourself,” “It’s cold outside; put de hat pon your head!” Maria loved to cook: especially flying fish, cou cou, and peas & rice. She also made sumptuous Thanksgiving and other holiday meals every year.

In 1983, Maria became a member of the First Holiness Church (now the Kingdom Empowerment Center) of Cambridge, MA, volunteering in different activities. Maria loved the Lord, and prayed always for her family. Over the years, Maria battled health challenges but stood by her faith. Her favorite Scripture was Psalm 121.

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, Maria (Rollins) Forde transitioned from this life to be with the her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She leaves to cherish her memory: her sister Lenora Griffiths of the U.K.; her children: Margo Attles, Catherine Forde-Augustine (Gregory), Kenneth Jr., and Theresa Gomes (Anthony); 13 grand-children, and 14 great-grandchildren (with another on the way, due in April); her former husband, Bishop Kenneth Forde Sr. (Deborah); her nieces: Karen and Carolyn Rollins; her nephew, Mark Rollins; her daughter-in-law, Jeannette Forde; the Agard family; and a host of other cousins, relatives, and friends.

The memory of Maria’s feisty, no-nonsense spirit, hearty laugh, love of family, and love of God
will forever remain a testament of her life and legacy to her family, loved ones, and friends.

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