Joyce B. "Gammy" Forlastro, 85, of Newtown, died peacefully September 4, surrounded by her family. She was born in Westport, daughter of the late Ida (Moore) and Ernest Baker.

Happiness was the theme for Ms Forlastro's life. She wanted a home filled with laughter and love, so she filled it with kids and pets.

Weary of reading obituaries noting someone's courageous battle with death, Ms Forlastro wanted it known that she died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctors' orders, and that she will do things her way. She decided her work was done here.

Her loved ones say her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be reading, dancing, and gardening to her heart's content; where music, laughter, and love will be guaranteed. She left detailed instructions for her children to celebrate her mission. Her family says. "If you want, you can look for her with the earliest spring flowers or the late fall blooms. You'll know she'll be there in one form or another. Of course that will probably comfort some while antagonizing others, but that's what she did. So in the end, do not be sad she is gone; instead be happy that she was here, as she loves you, forever."

Her seven children, Tammy Lafferty Kearns and husband Daniel  of Newtown; Catherine Lafferty Schupack and husband Mark of Southbury; Beverly Lafferty Brown and husband Craig of Inkom, Idaho; Warren C. Lafferty, Jr, and wife Debbie Lafferty of Canterbury, N.H.; Wendy Lafferty Hennessey and husband Patrick of Lakebay, Wash.; Kevin Lafferty and Valerie of Decorah, Iowa; and Brien Lafferty and wife Paula of Hudson, N.H., survive her. She also leaves behind her brother, Carl Baker of Nevada; and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Her granddaughter, Shannon Stratton; and her great-granddaughter, Lauryn Lafferty Bozek, predeceased her.

The family will receive friends at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, on Friday, September 8, from 5 to 7 pm.

A service will be celebrated at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown, on Saturday, September 9, at 10 am. Interment will follow in Newtown Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Home of Southbury, 990 Main Street North, Southbury CT 06488.

To leave an online condolence, visit honanfh.com.