Tanya Lisa Michelle Forbes

Tanya Lisa Michelle “Battlecat” Forbes was born on February 7, 1971, at Saint Michael’s Hospital in Newark, NJ. After courageously facing health challenges with strength and grace, she peacefully slipped away on September 9, 2025.

Tanya lived a life full of warmth, kindness, and generosity. She attended Lincoln Elementary and Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, NJ, where she proudly served as the flag bearer at football games. She also contributed her talents to the school system as a food engineer an early sign of her lifelong gift for caring for others through food and service. Tanya’s strength and determination were an inspiration to all who knew her, and she was especially proud of achieving and maintaining 25 years of sobriety.

Her love for cooking blossomed into a career and ministry. Tanya worked as a chef and lovingly mentored staff at a neighborhood church in Newark that provided meals to the homeless and community members in need. Her family, friends, and all who gathered around her table delighted in her cooking and felt the love she poured into every dish.

Beyond her talents in the kitchen, Tanya’s greatest pride and joy were her children. She was a sweet, caring, and deeply loving mother to her son Keith Forbes and daughters Diamond Forbes and Ruby Crawford . Each of her children shared a special bond with her: Keith , with whom she built a strong and enduring relationship; Diamond, her “mini-me” and the family’s rock, always dependable and determined in times of need; and Ruby, her closest supporter and loyal companion, who never left her side during life’s most challenging moments.

Her mother, Wilma Forbes, was her greatest source of love and strength, giving her daughter unwavering support and devotion throughout her life. That bond was unshakable, and Tanya’s memory will always be cherished in Wilma’s heart.

Tanya’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her own children. She joyfully embraced her grandchildren kayden and Landen along with godchildren, Molly, Jaja, and Al-Siair, loving and guiding them as if they were her own.

She is survived by her son Keith Forbes; daughters Diamond Forbes and Ruby Crawford; Mother Wilma Forbes; her child’s father John Crawford and a host of loving cousins, aunts, uncles, and Close friends.

Though Tanya has departed this life, the love she gave and the joy she brought will never fade. She will be remembered for her generosity, her laughter, her strong spirit, and the countless moments of care she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.