Mrs Forde was Queensland's 22nd Governor, between 1992 and 1997, but its first female Governor. She undertook that role with calm distinction. She was admired by everyone who knew her in that role.

Before becoming Governor, Mrs Forde had worked in a medical laboratory, undertaken a BA, and qualified as a solicitor with a LL.B.

Since being Governor, Mrs Forde was appointed to Chair the Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions. Despite the added strain of her husband's death in February 1999 mid-way through that difficult Review, she completed her Report a few months later in May 1999. An extraordinary achievement. That Report has had a significant effect in ameliorating conditions in institutions.

She has also been an International President of Zonta and in 1991, was Queenslander of the Year.