Merla J. Forte, 81, of Lancaster passed away Friday, March 17, 2017 at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy, PA. She was the wife of Cosimo M. "Gus" Forte to whom she was married for 54 years. Born in Lancaster, PA she was a daughter Charles E. and Elizabeth Z. (Stauffer) Ambrose. Merla was a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School, catholic by faith and was a homemaker whose greatest accomplishment was raising her two sons. Merla enjoyed going to the beach, spending time with family and blessing others by surprising them with sweet sentiments. Merla and her sister Nancy spent endless hours enjoying each other's company while shopping, dining out and delivering gifts to others. In addition to her husband Cosimo M. "Gus" she is survived by two sons Steven J. Forte husband of Clare Daher of Lebanon, PA and Gus Forte husband of Tammy of Lancaster, PA; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister Nancy Zielasko of Lancaster, PA. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604. Merla's family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Hospice & Community Care for the great care they provided Merla during her illness and especially to Cheryl Bowman who put a smile on Merla's face every day during her illness.