Oct.4 1933 – Aug.11 2019
“A Mother is” The Place you came from, your First Home, your First Love, your First Friend, and even your First Enemy. Nothing on Earth can separate you from your Mother. Not time, not Space, not even Death.
Patricia Lavina Skelton (nee Gray) was born in Lloydminster. Sask on Oct.4, 1933. Patricia moved with her family at a young age to the Lower mainland of BC and they eventually settled in Pitt Meadows. At the age of 17 years, she met the “Love of Her Life” Alex Skelton. They married in 1951 and their adventure began. From Pitt Meadows to Forest Grove and back again, the young couple experienced new job opportunities, good times, hard times, met lifelong friends, raised 5 kids and continued to have an unbreakable love for each other. Farmers, Restaurant Owners and Toilet Seat Makers, Pat and Alex were never afraid to jump in and try something new. In 1976 the couple along with their two youngest daughters moved to Mara BC. Pat found employment at the “Welcome Inn” in Sicamous and Alex as a custodian for the School District. In 1977, a new opportunity arose and they purchased a Dairy Farm in the Salmon Valley. For the next several years Milk Cows, Pigs and Free Range Grandchildren were their life until they finally made a move to Kelowna and then to Vernon BC to start their new chapter as Retirees.
After losing “The Love of her Life” in 2014, Patricia continued to live in Vernon. An active participant in Aqua Aerobics, an Avid Reader, a Supportive Mother, A Proud Grandmother, “Little G”, Big Sister, “Auntie Pat”, a Cousin, and a Loyal Friend.
Before her passing, Patricia spent time with her friends and family who all came to celebrate her life with her. “One Helluva party” is what she wanted and we her family and friends, are very proud that we were able to give that to her. Thank you to everyone for their visits, phone calls, emails and support in the month before her passing. We would like to thank Dr. Waldron, Palliative Care and the Vernon Hospice House for making her path a little bit smoother.
Patricia Lavina Skelton (nee Gray) passed away in the morning on August 11, 2019, after a battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Patricia was predeceased by an infant son Douglas, her parents Eddie and Millie Gray, and her loving husband Alex. Patricia leaves behind her brother Craig Gray (Donna) of Oliver and sister Arlene Fischer (Herb) of Vernon. Brother-in-law Gordon Skelton (Erika) of Port Moody and Sister-in-law Joan Skelton of Summerland.5 Children: Norman (Debby) Skelton, Airdre AB; Susan (Don) Crawshaw, Salmon Arm BC; Raymond (Carol) Skelton Vernon BC; Katherine (Ken) Dyer, Airdre AB; Sheila (Ernie) Lunzmann Salmon Arm BC; 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
No Celebration of life is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers please make to donations to the Vernon Hospice House and/or the Cancer Society.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Patricia Lavina Skelton August 11th 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Armstrong, Province: Colombie britanique