Elaine (Allin) Forrer

Jan.27, 1929 – Oct.27, 2011

SOUTH BEND — Elaine Forrer was born Elaine Allin on January 27th, 1929, in Madison, Wisconsin. She passed away on October 27th, 2011, in Altadena, California. She was 82 years old. Elaine is survived by her sister, Sharon; her brothers, James, Bunky and Dan; her children, Jon, Fred, Robin and Todd; stepchildren, Richard and Dianne; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; relatives and friends.

A child of the Great Depression, Elaine was one of six children born to Fred and Irene Allin.These hard economic times made a deep impression on her, resulting in a lifelong love of a “good bargain.” She loved school as well. Elaine had one sister, Sharon, and four brothers, Richard, James, Robin “Bunky” and Dan.

She was very involved in raising her younger siblings.Elaine was a teenager during the tumultuous years of World War II.Her family moved to South Bend, Indiana, where her father found work at Bendix.They moved into Beacon Heights and Elaine attended and graduated from Central High School. During those early years in South Bend she formed lifelong friendships.She fell in love with the great swing band music which was popular during her late teen years.She also fell in love with John “Puzz” Forrer, who became her husband in 1948, and remained her lifelong partner until his death in 1993.

Puzz had two children from his previous marriage, Richard and Dianne. Elaine gave birth to Jon Forrer in 1949, followed by Tom, Robin, Ronald, Fred and Todd. After several years on Beacon Heights, her family moved into their first house on Cottage Grove. In the mid-1960s, the Forrer family moved to a larger two-story, two bathroom house on Park Avenue, just two blocks from Grandma’s house. After the kids all moved out, Elaine and Puzz took a well-deserved retirement and moved to Hemet, California, to be near several of their kids. Elaine formed many new and lasting friendship in this new home.Elaine had strong feelings regarding the importance of family.It was the most important thing in her life.She gave her husband and all her children unconditional love and support.In a very real way, this is who Elaine Forrer was.

Source: Newspapers.com

07/06/2025 EJS