Mrs. Connie O. (Davis) Forte, 73, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, following a brief illness.

Born on October 27, 1952, in Elkhart, Connie was the cherished daughter of the late Derwood W. and Edna E. (Anderson) Davis. On May 8, 1971, she married the love of her life, Michael J. “Mike” Forte, in Elkhart. Their marriage of nearly 55 years was a testament to steadfast devotion, partnership, and deep affection. Mike survives her at home, carrying forward a lifetime of shared memories built on loyalty, laughter, and enduring love.

Above all else, Connie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her home was her heart’s work. Though she was employed for a time at Federal Paperboard in her younger years, she chose to dedicate the greater part of her life to caring for her family. She ran her household with strength, thoughtful precision and intense love — planning meals, keeping a welcoming home, and ensuring that everyone under her roof felt cared for and secure.

She expressed her love often through her kitchen and sharing meals. Connie enjoyed cooking in general, but her proud Norwegian heritage shone brightly - especially the Norwegian dishes she enjoyed that including Lefse, Flatbread, hearty “hot dishes,” and Chicken and Dumplings. Spaghetti nights were equally cherished. To sit at her table was to feel nourished in both body and spirit.

Besides Mike, Connie is survived by her son, Ian J. (Michelle) Forte of Goshen; and her daughter, Sara R. Forte of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Lydia, Blake, Jade, Journey, Kierre Forte, and Hannah Ihrig, and a delighted great-grandmother to Kai, Karter, Nevaeh, Na’Lexis, and Giovanni Forte. She also leaves behind a loving host of extended family and dear friends.

Her faithful mastiff, Ace, survives her as well. She was preceded in death by her treasured companions Petey, Casey, Max, Maddie and Brownie — dogs who, like all the animals she loved, held a special place in her generous heart.

Connie possessed a gentle but steady presence — the kind that made others feel safe, valued, and connected. She was a long-time member of Augustana Lutheran Church, where her quiet devotion and kindness were evident. She was also a voracious reader and a dedicated member of her local book clubs, always eager to learn and to share stories with others.

Her love for animals was lifelong and profound, but horses stirred something especially deep within her spirit. From a young age, she felt drawn to them — particularly wild horses, whose strength and freedom she admired. She once owned and cared for a horse of her own, riding and tending to it with pride and tenderness. That connection to animals reflected her own gentle nature and deep well of empathy.

Equally dear to her heart was the family cabin in Minnesota, where she spent almost every summer of her life. The cabin was not simply a retreat; it was a way of life. It shaped her childhood, anchored her memories, and remained her sanctuary throughout her years. A skilled angler, she fished as much as she could, enjoying the quiet rhythm of lake life. Her Husband, Mike, often found it difficult to get her off the lake, saying to him “just one more cast”. Those peaceful northern woods and waters were woven into her very being. When she escaped to the cabin, she returned to herself — grounded, content, and at peace.

In her younger years, Connie also carried a spirited side — proudly driving her vermillion red Ford Mustang Boss 302 with its bold black racing stripe, a reflection of her quiet (or loud, depending on the pipes) confidence and independence.

In honoring Connie’s wishes, her family will receive friends at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1133 Kilbourn Street, Elkhart, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12 noon. The Reverend Emily Trubey-Weller will officiate. Burial of her cremated remains will follow at Rice Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of one’s choice or to Help Alberta Wildies Society, an organization devoted to protecting free-roaming wild horses of the Canadian Rockies, at hawsteam@gmail.com.

Connie’s life was one of quiet devotion — to her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her animals, and the cabin that shaped her soul. She leaves behind a legacy of steady love, gentle strength, and a home that will forever echo with the warmth she so faithfully gave.