Jean Marie Adam Forti ’85 passed away peacefully on August 25, 2015, in her home surrounded by her family and pets. She filled her 52 years with love, laughter, adventure and care for others. 

Jean was born in San Mateo, CA, on May 7, 1963, to Kay and Bob Adam. At the age of 6, she and her family moved to a beautiful apricot and walnut orchard in sunny San Jose, CA. Growing up, she was very active in many community and school activities, including Girl Scouts, summer camps, backpacking, tennis, skiing, horseback riding (good old sway-backed George), volunteering, and many family trips around the country.

She was a good student in San Jose, CA, participating in a senior prank involving a helicopter and ping pong balls. Her further adventures included a trip to Guatemala, driving around the country with her cousin, and exploring Europe with a best friend.

She graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in Combined Sciences. After college, she crossed the country with two friends in a VW Bug, to start a new life in Albany, NY.

Jean worked with troubled children at St. Catherine’s, and then with Senior Services of Albany. She joined the Hudson Mohawk Sierra Club, only to get lost on a hike and meet her future husband, Tony.

On August 24, 1991, they married in Los Gatos, CA, surrounded by good friends and family, redwood trees, and deer (who ate the flowers).

Jean and Tony spent the next 24 years building up their house in Knox, raising 3 children, farm animals and countless gardens. Their door and their hearts were always open to anyone who came along.

Jean was a pillar in her community. She co-led Girl Scout Troop 1758, helped run the Pony Pals 4-H Club, and organized the Elementary and High School Science Fairs and many PTA after school programs. She was instrumental in the Knox Youth Council and summer camp, Knox Food Pantry, Fox Creek Farm, Meals-on-Wheels, Fox Creek Players, and many other community functions. 

Despite her illness, she stayed involved as long as possible.

Jean brought a feeling of excitement and adventure into everything, always wanted to include everyone and bring any stranger into her circle. She taught her family and friends how to get the most out of every moment. 

Jean is survived by her husband Tony, daughters Katie and Marcy, son Adam, sisters Sara (Raymond) Luhrman and Cris Adam-Nakayama, brother Scot Adam, mother Kay Adam, several cousins, a niece and two nephews.