Marie F. Forrest, 97, formerly of Niles died at 9:36 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at her home in Berrien Springs following a brief illness.

She was born March 12, 1912, in Logansport, Ind., to Robert and Carrie (Findling) Radkey, and lived in Niles since 1940.

She served many years as a physical therapy assistant at the former Pawating Hospital (now Lakeland-Niles), from which she retired in 1979.

Marie was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church, Niles, and of Saint Mark’s Christian Mothers.

She was devout and faithful in prayer, and enjoyed visiting with friends.

She is preceded in death by three sisters, Catherine Leonard, Edith Fagner and Alice Jacot, and is survived by several nieces and nephews and a circle of friends and caregivers.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marie F. Forrest will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, at Saint Mark Catholic Church with the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C., officiating.

Committal rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles.

Her family will receive relatives and friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Marie may be made to Saint Mark Catholic Church.