Florence (Marie) Forness, 84, of North Utica, entered into heaven peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Florence was born on January 2, 1930, in Utica, the daughter of the late Alexander and Florida Major. She was raised by her loving stepmother, Irene Major. She was educated in local schools and married C. J. Forness on October 5, 1974. He passed away in 1986. Florence was at one time employed at St. Elizabeth's Convent. She loved going to garage sales, traveling and especially taking trips to Atlantic City. She also enjoyed being near the water and enjoyed her times with her knitting club. She was of the Catholic faith. Florence treasured her time with her family and loved her dogs Buffy and Poochie. She always had a special place in her heart for several organizations that she would make charitable contributions to-AIDS Foundation, St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the March of Dimes. Florence is survived by her four daughters, Karen and David Paquette, Susan Heitz and Bill Blevins, Diane Aiello and Bubba Jones, all of Utica, and Denise and Ronald Carlone, of Canastota. She was predeceased by her son, C. John Heitz in June 1994. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Tracy Poirer and Michelle Perrault, David Paquette, Lisa and Vinny Adamo, Michele and David Luizzi, Monique and David Millard, Maurice "Mike" Poirier III, Danielle Carlone and Deanna Carlone, and five great-grandchildren, Michael Luizzi, Kody Banas, Jackie and Bella Adamo and Jonathan Roy. She also leaves Tina Blevins, who she referred to as her "fifth daughter". She is also survived by her sister, Alice Mehaffy and three brothers, Marcel, Robert and Peter Major, her sister-in-law Gail Heitz, and special in-laws, Louie and Judy Heitz. Florence was predeceased by four brothers, Albert, Lionel, Ronald and Richard Major. Florence also leaves many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Florence's funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at 11:00 am at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, North Utica with the Rev. James Cesta officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Monday, June 2nd from 5 - 8 pm. The family would like to thank everyone at the Abraham House who took such tender, loving care of Florence during her days there. They would also like to thank the nurses and staff, especially MaryBeth Dowling at Faxton-St. Luke's Hospital for the fine care and attention given to Florence. Those wishing may donate to the Abraham House in Florence's memory.