Alerts Sign-up
William “Bill” Forsyth, a longtime resident of Springfield, Illinois, has found a new chapter of life at Park Place of Elmhurst following health challenges and personal loss. After experiencing a stroke that required an extended period of recovery, Forsyth moved to the community to be closer to his family and access needed care.
Forsyth’s background includes over 30 years in the Navy—three on active duty and 27 in the reserves—with assignments across Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and Guam. During the Cold War era, he was involved in monitoring for missile threats and managing naval patrols in strategic areas.
During his military service, Forsyth married Mary, an English teacher from Springfield. Together they raised four children and have 14 grandchildren. Their family remained close despite frequent moves due to Bill’s assignments and events such as typhoons during overseas deployments.
As Mary developed Alzheimer’s disease later in life, their daughter researched care options near her own home. The family selected Park Place of Elmhurst for its support services. “They did a wonderful job taking care of Mary,” said Forsyth. “And now they’re doing a wonderful job taking care of me.”
After his stroke left him hospitalized for a year, intensive therapy aided Forsyth’s recovery. He now enjoys regular visits from his children and grandchildren. “It’s nice having them nearby,” he said.
Forsyth spends much of his time listening to audiobooks—especially presidential biographies—and keeping up with friends from Springfield through phone conversations.
He credits the staff at Park Place with helping him transition into this phase of life: “They’ve been wonderful,” he said. He also expressed gratitude for their support after Mary’s passing and appreciates how his needs have been met by the community: “I’m glad my daughter found this place,” Forsyth added. “It’s been the right move.”
