Esther Jean Fornof

Esther Jean Fornof, 95, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Seneca Manor Assisted Living. She was the daughter of the late George and Margaret (née Gradwell) Schofield. Beloved wife of James W. Fornof, who preceded her in death. Loving mother of James D, (Denise) Fornof, William S. (Irene) Fornof, Leslie J. Michels, and the late Thomas K. Fornof.

Grandmother of Thomas James “T.J.” (Tiffany) Michels, Michelle Leigh Michels (fiancé Daniel Rafter), J. Tyler (Laura) Grimm, Elliot Grimm, and Miriam Smouse; great grandmother of Arabella, Macklin, and Lochlan, and soon to welcome two additional great-grandchildren. Sister of the late Phyllis Joan (Norman) McIntyre, the late Jack (Eileen) Schofield, and the late Sandra Morrison. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jean was an early childhood educator in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and was very active in her church, Rosedale United Methodist. In her earlier years, she enjoyed synchronized swimming, skating, camping, and dancing, and remained interested in a range of activities throughout her life.

A graduate of Wilkinsburg High School, Jean went on to attend the Pennsylvania College for Women (Class of 1953), now Chatham University, in Shadyside. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college, a significant accomplishment for a woman of her generation and a continuing source of pride for her family.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burket-Truby Funeral Home, Cremation and Alternative Services, Inc., 421 Allegheny Avenue, Oakmont, PA 15139. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in the funeral home, with Rev. Dale Reese of Verona Methodist Church officiating. Private interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.