PORTLAND – Cecelia “Cissy” Forgione, 72, passed peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026. She was born on July 13, 1953, in Dover, N.H. to Salvatore and Margaret Forgione, second youngest of their four children.

Cissy lived and worked for most of her life in Portland. She was a vibrant and active member of her community, and an outspoken activist for a wide range of causes from LGBTQ+ rights to Animal Welfare. Her work with women in recovery touched the lives of many and inspired her own journey; she recently celebrated 38 years sober, often describing a deep love of her family as her inspiration for sobriety.

Cissy was predeceased by her parents; her elder brother, Stevie, who tragically passed at the age of 14; and her husband and best friend, Peter Koutsivitis.

She is survived by her eldest brother, Anthony Forgione and his wife Nancy Forgione, her youngest sister Margaret “Peggy Sue” Foster and her husband Steve Foster; her two sons, Anthony and Nicholas Koutsivitis whom she adored more than anything; her many nieces and nephews who lovingly know her as “Auntie”; and her rescue kitty, Blake.

Cissy always loved the ocean and dreamed of owning a small cottage at the beach. To honor her memory, Blake, the rescue kitty, moved to a condo at the beach and was adopted by Anthony and Nancy Forgione.

To share memories of Cissy or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit athutchins.com.

The family will hold a private cremation and gathering to honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to:

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP) in her name