Lesa Mahoney said goodbye to her children, husband and family in the evening of December 23rd. She was also known as variations of Elizabeth (Lesa) Lee (Folz) Mahoney-Forsythe, a name as overwhelming as she was. A woman with a fiery spirit, a generous and giving heart, immense loyalty, true ethics, quick wit, unbridled enthusiasm, boisterously beautiful who loved life. Lesa lived to work and mentor, travel and create objects of beauty. She has inspired many, many people in more ways than can be explained in text.
A year after her birth in Las Cruces New Mexico, she returned to Phoenix where she later attended St. Gregory and St. Francis elementary schools, Washington High School and the University of Arizona where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta. She left college to work for a number of construction companies, which eventually lead to her partnership in her own commercial construction company. Retiring from that industry, she spent much time with the girls of her Girl Scout Troop, volunteering at school with the Art Masterpiece program, creating unique jewelry, traveling with her family, and shortly before her illness, opening a Fine Art Gallery.
Her loved ones include her children Casey Mahoney and Ellee Forsythe, her parents Mickey and Peggie Folz, brother Cory Folz and Sister Judy Folz Holbeck (John Holbeck) nephew Brenton Holbeck, step children/grandchildren Lars Forsythe (Becky, Lars Jr. and Lily) and Lariana Forsythe, (Topher and Reed Lesniak) her Father-in-Law Charles Forsythe and many, many extended family members, and her true life partner, best friend and Husband Larry Forsythe. She was preceded in death by her brother Brian Folz.
A private funeral ceremony will be held for the family. All friends and family are invited to a celebration of Lesa’s life that will be held at the family’s home on Saturday afternoon, January 5th, 2013. For details, please contact a family member or see the Caring Bridge blog for Lesa Mahoney. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lesa’s name to Susan G. Komen for the cure.
Roseann Tucci
So sorry to hear about my dear friend Lisa. I reemember many many hours with her when we were young at St Gregorys and at washington HS. You are all in my prayers. Lisa will be missed.
Roseann
Heather Hannan
Lesa – kind spirit, lovable, generous, thoughful, beautiful soul. You will be dearly missed :'(
You and your family are in my prayers.
Phil and Dottie Ruoff
Lesa, beautiful inside and out, a delightful person to be with. She will be greatly missed by many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mickey, Peggy, Corey and Judy.
Keith and Kathy Roed
Larry and family, Lesa will always be in our hearts. She was such a wonderful person. We will miss her and remember her always…
JC Kobashi
Our thoughts are with your families! My father, Jim Kobashi, who went to school with (and was roommates with) Mickey at NMState (and also knows Peggy) would like to attend the celebration of her life. We’ve looked all over this blog for the address. He is technologically challenged so I’m doing this for him. If that is okay with you, would you please contact Jim/Jan Kobashi at (602)320-1196 (phone only no text) or contact me at JCKobashi@gmail.com with the address (or text/call me at (602)361-4524. I am his son and will pass along the information to him.)
Tina Allgeier
I have many pleasant memories and funny stories growing up with Lesa and sharing her love of horses. My heartfelt sympathy to all of her family and love to Mickey, Peggy, Corey and Judy.
Clare Abel and Rich Bowman
Larry and Ellee:
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go to you at this time. Lesa was such a special presence here on earth, that the angels must have been jealous. We hope that you can take some small comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and her spirit has been set free. Know that she will always be in our hearts and you in our prayers.
Clare and Rich
Jennifer Leitch
Larry and Ellee,
I am so sorry for your loss. The few times I met Lesa she was a true joy. I know your hearts must be broken. Know that we are offering our deepest and sincerest condolences for your sweet family.
Dewey, Jennifer and Maggie
John Lee
To all Lesa’s family-
My thoughts are with you all. I wish there was more people in the world like Lesa!