Marie D. Forsberg, 99, of Lakeport, who worked for 30 years at Belknap County Superior Court until her retirement in 2003, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 15, 2011. Diane Pearl from AOC accounting support, who met Marie at Belknap Superior in 1997, thought that e-Court Connection readers would enjoy reading about Marie's extraordinary life. Marie's guardian, Janice Mistler provided us with this biography:

Marie Forsberg was born October 12, 1911 in Lowell, Mass., the daughter of David N. and Anna A. (Johanson) Forsberg. Constantly seeking knowledge, she received her undergraduate degree from UNH, her Masters degree from Ithaca College, with an additional year of study at Syracuse University. She was an Assistant Professor of Dramatic Arts at Emerson College, studied Theatre Design at the University of Pennsylvania and studied at Westbrook College in Maine where her extra-curricular duties were that of kiln keeper. To add to her knowledge, she took pottery classes from Paul St. Gaudens.

In the late 1930's and early 1940's, Marie wrote a column for the Laconia Citizen with advice for women, by women. This was in conjunction with a Women's Home Show for WLNH. She was a radio personality for more than 11 years, doing interviews, selling War Bonds, discussing new household appliances and a variety of other topics.

Marie had been a resident of Laconia for over 80 years. She taught English and Bible Literature at Laconia High School for 26 years. It was here she began to make the costumes for the many student plays she directed. She also taught English at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, coached field hockey and soccer and worked with special needs children with speech impediments. She also worked as an office assistant for the Belknap County Superior Court, receiving a certificate of appreciation from the Chief Justice in 1999, and retired in 2003 at the age of 91 with 30 years of service. Never idle, when jobs were tight Marie worked at the Infantile Paralysis Home (where FDR had gone) learning to care for the handicapped.

She belonged to the Pasquaney Snowshoe Club, served twice as president; won many ribbons for her photography with the Concord Camera Club; created artwork worthy of many State Fair ribbons; acted as Chairman of several Red Cross Drives and received a Recognition Award for being a long-time volunteer with the Lakes Region Conservation Trust and enjoyed gardening.