Deborah “Deb” Leigh Forrest, a devoted nurse practitioner serving the South Bend and Mishawaka communities, died tragically on September 20, 2025, when a fire broke out at her home at 17222 Barryknoll Way in Granger, Indiana. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. She was the sole occupant of the residence.
Born on March 28, 1958, Deb was the daughter of John and Betty Forrest, who predeceased her. She graduated from Clay High School (South Bend) in 1976, earned a degree in English from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University South Bend, and later completed her nurse practitioner training at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She went on to build a long and caring career as a nurse practitioner.
Deb was a passionate advocate for animals-especially cats-and poured her time, energy, and heart into their welfare. She loved the outdoors and spent many years kayaking across Indiana and beyond. She also had an eye for photography and a beautiful singing voice.
She is survived by her sisters, Dr. Terry Forrest of Bristol, Tennessee, and Dr. Bonny Forrest of San Diego, California, and by Bonny’s husband, Stephen Armstrong, as well as extended cousins in Michigan.
The family will hold a private remembrance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deb’s memory to Rikki’s Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange, VA 22960.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
Posted On: Monday, September 22, 2025 4:58 PM
