Alice Patrica Skiner
1927-2019
It
is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother,
Pat Skinner on March 30, 2019.
Mom
was the third of four children born to Myrtle (Purdy) and Cecil
Langille. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family
having been predeceased by her parents and siblings, Mildred Clark,
Arthur Langille and Joan MacDonald. She was widowed in 1974 when her
husband and our father, Harry, died unexpectedly.
She
is survived by her children, Michael, Ann (Greg), Joan (Michael), Eric
(Leslie) and Beth (Brian), 9 grandchildren and 8 great
grandchildren.
Mom
met Dad in her mid-teens and after he returned from war, they wed on
April 10, 1946. The unpredicted storm, that day, shuttered the town
from all activity but found Dad in the early morning hours hiring
plows to clear the roads to the church. This determination and
commitment marked a union that was granted 28 years together before
Dad’s sudden passing at age 52.
As a
widow of five children Mom continued with an unwavering spirit of
strength. She worked tirelessly and without complaint. She was
employed at the Highand View Hospital and was the receptionist for
various physicians, in Amherst. She found purpose in helping people;
listening to their stories and advocating for their needs. She
retired at the age of 81 and would, afterwards, often remark that she
missed the office and the patients.
Outside of work, she was a member of the Miriam Rebecca
Lodge #36 and served as President of the Atlantic Provinces for a
three year period. In this role she represented the Lodge in PEI,
NL/Labrador and Denver, Colorado. She was a member of the Amherst
Skating Club, Pythian Sisters, Lady Tweedsmuir Club and the Highland
View Hospital Auxillary. First Baptist Church was her place
of worship for 72 years and she was proud to be a Deacon,
serving her faith community in fellowship.
Mom’s warmest memories were wrapped around family and
she cherished the time we had together at the cottage in Northport.
Those years of summer days flowing with tides, BBQ’s and bonfires
lived within her heart with clarity. Throughout her life,she was
nurtured by sun and nature and the simplicity of shore life. She loved
playing cards on a rainy day (but never on Sunday), music,dancing, a
daily scoop of ice-cream, auctions and afternoon
drives.
In
quiet moments, she would reminisce about by days gone by and told
events with description and detail. She could recall the years of her
life from childhood onwards and her stories contained names and events
long forgotten by many.
Mom
will be remembered for her beauty, fashion and style. For all of her
92 years, she was striking in her presence and vibrant in her
personality.
We
would like to thank her personal care worker, Kim MacDonald for
kindness that exceeded expectations. A special gratitude is extended
towards Dr. Dan Green for his many visits and words of friendship and
prayer extended to Mom and to us as a family. For the many friends
that enriched Mom’s life, we give gratitude.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones
Family Funeral Centre (902-667-8777).
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church on
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 from 1 to 2 pm followed at 2 pm by her
funeral service.
Internment will be held in the Amherst Cemetery at a
later date.
Donations may be made to the First Baptist
Church.
In
Mom’s memory, go to the beach, swim and be still by the water.
Watch the sky and learn the tides. Laugh, sing and enjoy
each day. Always say, “I love you” before you go to
sleep.
“Into the freedom of sand and sunshine,
we let you go.
Into the dance of stars and the planets, we let you
go.
Into the wind’s breath and the hands of the starmaker,
we let you go.
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be
happy.
Go safely, go dancing, go running
home.”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Alice Patrica Skiner 19272019..
furlong jones funeral and cremation services
Death notice for the town of: Amherst, Province:Nova Scotia