Miriam J. Brookshaw

Miriam Jane (nee: McClay) Brookshaw passed away on September 1, 2015, while residing at Wood River Village, Bensalem, PA. She was 95 years old. Miriam was born and raised in Philadelphia before becoming an original Levittown homeowner in the Blue Ridge section of Levittown where she resided for over 50 years. She retired to Wood River Village in 2007. She was fortunate to have shared her life with two amazing husbands - Ernest Forchetti, the love of her life and father of her children, and Albert Brookshaw, her second love, who in their later years enjoyed dancing and numerous vacations. In addition to her parents Elizabeth and John McClay, she was preceded in death by husbands Ernest Forchetti and Albert Brookshaw, sister Edna Law, and brothers Allan, Jack and Robert McClay. Miriam was a devoted wife, good neighbor, caring friend, wonderful mother, awesome grandmother, loving great grandmother, and much adored great-great grandmother who always enjoyed spending time with her large family as often as she could. Miriam loved to decorate her home and herself every holiday. She was a dancer and gymnast from an early age and continued line dancing and tap dancing well into her 80’s. Many years were spent at the Bristol Senior Center going on trips and participating in fashion shows. She loved the music presentations at the Bristol Wharf on summer Sundays so she could continue dancing with her friends. She was always generous and thoughtful and ready to lend a helping hand when needed and had a fiery, busy spirit filled with the need to continue learning anything new. Miriam is survived by: CHILDREN - Barbara Halikman (James), Richard Forchetti (Carol), Robert Forchetti (Lorraine), and Carol Galzerano (Louis). GRANDCHILDREN - Sherri Brinkmann, James Halikman, Linda Heim (Ron), Jeffrey Halikman (Karin), Robert Forchetti (Lauren), Richard Forchetti, Lisa Cotignola (Chris), Lauren Mahler (Bill), Traci Fitzpatrick (Jack), Bryan Forchetti (Heather), Luigi Galzerano, and Cinzia Galzerano. GREAT GRANDCHILDREN - Allison, Robert and Ryan Brinkmann, Anthony and Jacalyn Hikes, Jason Heim, Noelle, Charles and James Halikman, Riley and Sophia Forchetti, Enzo and Gia Cotignola, Brayden and Tristan Mahler, Caden, Ryan and Sean Fitzpatrick, Leo Forchetti. GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILD - Olivia Brinkmann. And many nieces, nephews and other relatives. The family would like to thank the entire staff of WOOD RIVER VILLAGE for their many years of care and concern and a very special thank you to CARING HOSPICE SERVICES; especially caregivers Mee Kwon, Sue Drotar, Jen Morace and Greg Lowe who continued to care for Miriam and support our family these past many months. Miriam has gone from their caring hands into His Loving Hands. Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing 11am on Friday (Sept. 4) at the Galzerano Funeral Home, 430 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA. A funeral service will begin at 12:45pm in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn, PA. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice in Miriam’s name or to CARING HOSPICE SERVICES, 400 Commerce Dr., Ste. C, Fort Washington, PA 19034. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Miriam J. Brookshaw, please visit our flower store.