Patricia Anne Fore

It is with a heavy heart that we announce Pat Fore has passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025. A fifth-generation Floridian, Pat was born on March 4th, 1934, in Winter Haven, Florida, but lived the majority of her 90 years in Lakeland, Florida. 

While attending Winter Haven Senior High School, she was a spirited member of the Blue Devil cheerleading squad, a Key Club Sweetheart, and was selected as the Homecoming Queen. Like many young ladies in Winter Haven during the 1940’s & 1950’s, Pat worked at Cypress Gardens as a teenager, first as a Southern Belle, and later as a member of the Aquamaid water ski team. 

After graduation from Winter Haven High School, she attended the Lakeland Business School. Pat met her beloved Jim while participating in a parade as the “Croton Queen.” Shortly thereafter, while he was on shore leave from the Navy in Jacksonville, FL, they married and soon moved to Lakeland where they raised their three children. 

She was an active member of The Women's Garden Club and The Junior League of Lakeland, where she enjoyed many hours with the Bargain Box and the Children’s Museum. She was involved with The Polk Museum of Art and volunteered as a “Candy Striper” at Lakeland General Hospital. Pat had a strong interest in decorating and opened her own home decor boutique called, "The Classic Corner." 

Pat & Jim enjoyed traveling throughout the Southeast and Florida. Some of her favorite memories were of the early years on Boca Grande Island where she doted on her children and grandchildren. 

Pat was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years Frank James (Jim) Fore, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her parents Karry and John Nease and her sister Mary Nordlie. She is survived by her son Scott (Jami) of Siesta Key, and his children Clare (Alex) and Callahan; her daughter Kathy (Bill) of Jupiter, and their daughters Karry and Carley; her son Andy (Linda) of Jupiter and their daughters Kelsie and Emily; and her sister Jean Bergman of Lakeland and her daughter Stacy Davis (Brian) their children Miranda & Mitchell Davis. Her niece, Sandy Rowe of Jacksonville and her sons, Dario Bretana and Justin Rowe.

Known as “Pattymom” by her grandchildren and others, Pat lived a blessed life and will be missed by many.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Bevis and the staff of Lakeland Regional Medical Center for their kindness and caring.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, at 72 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Parker Street Ministries, 719 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801.