Etheline Shirley Healey, age 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 17, 2026. During the last 7 years of her life she lived at The Point at West Palm, formally Fountainview, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The people there were loving and caring. Everyone knew her name and responded with a smile and a hug each time they saw her.
Born on September 23, 1931, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Etheline lived a long life filled with love, family, compassion, and dedication to caring for others. She was a consummate force of survival and independence with an unmatched sense of humor. She was a woman of great strength both physically and mentally.
Etheline was first married to Donald S. Pate in 1951 and raised 4 children in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. In 1966, she moved to Philadelphia, PA with her family and married John R. Healey. She was predeceased by them both. Throughout her life, family remained at the center of her heart.
She is survived by her beloved daughters, Cheryl Giballa and Diane Achord. She was preceded in death by her sons, Donald and Kenneth Pate; her parents, Elmer and Elizabeth Minnich Miller (“Lizzie”) Forsblom; as well as her siblings: Beatrice Victoria Weightman, Idella Eleanor Realey, Augusta Virginia Ritter, Carl Forsblom, Ellen Elizabeth Neagley, Thelma Wister, Viola Alvesta Nickol, Arlene Mildred Csinsi, Aldine Mae Braley, Elmer Ferdinand Forsblom, Jr .
Etheline is lovingly remembered by her five grandchildren: Ira & Devon Achord, Kristy Giballa Machusko, Julie Giballa Hayes, and Renee Pate plus seven great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.
Throughout her working life, Etheline was employed by VIZ Manufacturing in Philadelphia. She later devoted many years to home health care, a profession that reflected her compassionate and caring nature. Her dedication to helping others continued well into her seventies. Her hobbies included Bingo, slot machines and crossword puzzles but being with her grandbabies and great-grandchildren topped the list.
Etheline had a special love for children and animals, especially her beloved dog, Barney, who was always by her side. It brings comfort to her family to know that they are now together again.
She also loved to travel, exploring both destinations throughout the United States and abroad. Yet, despite her love of adventure, Etheline was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved—playing games and laughing with her family and friends in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Etheline will be remembered for her loving heart, strong work ethic, compassion for others, and the joy she found spending time with those closest to her. Her love and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. A celebration of her life will take place at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Riviera Beach, FL followed by a luncheon at Sugar Sands clubhouse in February 2027. A private gathering and luncheon will take place in June, 2027 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts where she grew up. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Etheline can make a donation to the ASPCA.
