Barbara Forgione Tansey, 75, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023, after a sudden onset of acute myeloid leukemia. Barbara was surrounded by family and a caring medical team at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. She was born April 16, 1948, in New York, NY, the daughter of Ajera “Jean” and Donato “Dan” Forgione.
Barbara grew up in Fairfax, VA, and earned her B.A. in English/Secondary Education from the University of Mary Washington. During her teaching career, she was an adult education instructor at the U.S. Army Education Center at Ft. Meade, MD. For nearly 15 years, Barbara served as an executive assistant at Group 1 Software.
On August 8, 1970, Barbara married the love of her life, Bruce Merriman Tansey. They welcomed a daughter Lisa in 1974. Barbara was a devoted military spouse for 42 years, and while Bruce served his country in the U.S. Army for 25 years, the family lived in North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Germany, and Maryland.
During early retirement in Loudon, TN, Barbara and Bruce traveled the world, spent days on the lake in their boat, and were members of the Tellico Village Retired Military Club. She volunteered with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and taught English as a second language to local high school students.
She loved the Lord and her family and will be remembered for her thoughtfulness and caring nature, generous heart, gourmet cooking, and love of pineapple themed decor. Barbara treated friends like family and her warm and loving personality was a comfort to many. After Bruce’s passing in 2012, Barbara moved to Chesapeake to be near family and watch her grandson grow. She was a member of her neighborhood’s Red Hat Society, delighted in gardening, volunteered at her grandson’s school, and enjoyed monthly senior luncheons at River Oak Church. Barbara was well known by neighbors as mom to her fur baby Maggie, a rescue dog who she adored and spoiled. When hosting family dinners, Barbara displayed a handwritten menu for guests. Baking brought her joy, and she was famous for her holiday desserts and baklava.
Barbara had a tremendous impact in this world and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Corris, her husband Craig, and beloved grandson Bodie Jones.
A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at a later date. Barbara was a four-time cancer survivor who leaves a legacy of strength and grace. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Barbara’s honor to the American Cancer Society.
Words cannot express how heartbroken we are at your loss. We deeply miss you. We are comforted that you did not suffer and are now with God, dad, and your parents. We have so many happy memories and know you loved watching Bodie grow up, and living so close provided memories to cherish.
My mom made a tremendous impact in this world, a giving heart, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. You cared for others and always helped those in need. You were my protector and biggest cheerleader. I know it made you happy that I found Craig and loved being a family together. So glad you were a part of our wedding. You were such a fighter…a four-time cancer survivor. We will remind Bodie to work “slowly, neatly, carefully” as you told him. He will miss his GiGi so much, but knows you live in his heart. Your legacy of strength and grace will live on. Maggie is settling in and I feel a closeness to you through her. This has reminded us how fragile life is and we are not promised tomorrow. Hold your loved ones tight and tell them you love them every day!
I’ll look for you among the stars. You’re forever in our hearts until we meet again. Love you!
The sudden passing of your Mother is one of the deepest sorrows in your life. So many are sharing your grief—family and friends are comforting you with thoughts and prayers, memories & feelings. Let these fill your mind and warm your heart. As you know, although our friendship was brief, we shared some wonderful moments and she had a great impact on my life. I immediately was drawn to her heart, kind and true. She was willing to share the grief of losing your Dad to connect with my grief of losing my husband with words of encouragement. She knew that Bruce was her soulmate and the ideal choice to be a Father to her most precious Lisa. With memories of her Tennessee dream home, she moved to be near you— her “best move”—after Bruce passed. Being near you was the best decision she ever made (her words not mine). And Bodie was “the best grandson”. She delighted in his recent “graduation”. Her smile would broaden as she spoke of him and how he is so much like you were as a child. And Craig “a keeper” gave your Mom so much happiness. “A Mom’s happiness is directly related to the happiness of her child.” Maybe not an exact quote but expressed during a conversation one afternoon. We old folks talk about passing—what we hope will happen. Barbara had a wish and a prayer about the end of her life. One afternoon while discussing the passing of our husbands, she laughed and said: I was there for Lisa from the moment she was born and now she’ll be there for me when the time comes.” And you were. Lisa, you have many of your Mom’s wonderful attributes…I see her goodness, her caring, her wisdom, and her contagious joy in life’s adventures. Missing her, remembering her, is the truest love any of us can offer. To be remembered at Christmas, her birthday, shopping, while sitting in her normal row at church…nothing on earth can separate us as long as we remember. You are joined with so many others in remembering her exceptional life.
Dear Lisa-
Sending my heartfelt sympathies to you, Craig and Bodie. Your mother sounded like a special and very talented lady. I understand now where you get your warm and welcoming spirit.
Wishing all of you peace and comfort.
Sending you so much love…prayers for peace, comfort and strength as you navigate this massive loss. Your mom was a wonderful woman…warm, funny, generous and kind. She will be forever missed and remembered.