Obituary of Sylvia Mary Ann Skinner

SKINNER, Sylvia Mary Ann- 80 It is with very heavy hearts and tremendous sadness thar we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt and friend that occurred on Sunday, April 20th, 2025 at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home in Port Hawkesbury. Born on July 14, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Hughie and Bernadette (Samson) Clannon. Mom was survived by her children Florence, Bedford, Nancy, Dartmouth, Frances (Chris Simmons), McMurray, only son and pride and joy Glen, Saskatchewan; grandchildren who she loved with all her heart, Nicholas, Ashley (Jordan), Christopher (Kassidi), Jessie (Liv), Marcus, Bryce, Matthew and Cooper Newman; great-grandchildren Brenleigh and Hudsen; brother Vicki (Anette) and sister Cynthia (Glen). Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Cpt. Newman Skinner. Our mom loved bingo and cards, especially 45’s, scat and crazy eights with dear friends and family. She was always up for an adventure, she embraced clam digging, beach trips, and weekend visits. Known for her infamous apron and ever-present smile, she’d rise at dawn to cook for returning fishermen, ensuring no one went hungry. Mom gave selflessly, never complained and took great pride in her spotless home. You could truly eat off the floor, no joke! She was a devoted grandmother who filled her grandkids lives with love, laughter and treasured memories. From beach days and baking to bedtime stories and cheering at games, she made every moment magical. One of their most special traditions was taking out her signature rollers, something her grandkids from toddlers to adults cherished deeply. She loved each of them equally and always went the extra mile to make them feel special. As a young girl, Mom worked hard to support her family, proudly saving just $5 for herself while giving the rest to help pay the bills. She later worked at premium seafoods, Richmond fisheries and was known as a true domestic engineer, skilled, meticulous and deeply respected. Mom took pride in everything she did, famously able to remove any stain from a shirt, from a dusted pen courtesy of Chris. She could clean a lunch can that had caked on dirt for weeks or longer and have it looking like it just rolled off the assembly line. She especially loved family visits from relatives in Ontario, Halifax, Newfoundland, where she joyfully cooked up seafood feasts and proudly claiming her title as the “fastest crab cleaner”. Mom loved to dance and especially listened to Grace Thibeau’s beautiful voice which she enjoyed immensely. She dressed up in heels and jewelry, she lit up the floor. Even when her high heel got stuck in the floor vent, dad just removed the other and carried on dancing because that who she was. Nothing stopped her, and never complained. She was also the shining example of how to live life to the fullest. She said yes to every adventure, road trips, concerts, beach days, girl’s nights out, photo shoots, and sunflower fields. Her joy was contagious, she found magic in the everyday, especially with a beaver tail treat, lays chips with a ginger ale in hand. Her laughter, love and zest of life will live on in each of us, always guiding us forward. As the years passed, our mom found solace in walking on the beach, collecting sea glass, which was her serene escape to unwind. She enjoyed her quiet time. She would spend hours collecting numerous colours and return home to proudly showcase her treasures in her beautiful beach room to friends and family. Her grandkids enjoyed many of these trips to collect and spend moments with their grandmother, which everyone of them enjoyed doing with her. We can be certain that the path to heaven for mom was filled with beautiful pieces of sea glass especially the red ones. Mom discovered an extraordinary sense of purpose and belonging as an honorary grandmother to Molly, Gage and Marley, whose regular visits brought immense joy and fulfillment to her life. Together they embarked on empowering adventures, dance, and engaged in games, crafts and puzzles. As they entered the room her eyes would sparkle with deligt, smile from ear to ear filling her heart with unconditional love and a profound sense of connection. A special thank you to Jerry and Rita Christian for welcoming our mom into your home for many meals, especially lobster and made her feel at peace while maintaining her routine. I am forever grateful for the compassion you showed her. You will always hold a special place in my heart. We would also like to thank the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home staff for the care over the years. Your compassion and love showed to mom will forever remain in our hearts. We also would like to thank Deacon Berkley Guthro for the sacraments of Penance and her friend Rhonda MacDonnell. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at C. H. Boudreau Funeral Home Ltd, Arichat on May 23rd, from 6-8pm. Funeral mass will take place on May 24th at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Arichat at 11am with Rev. Duaine Devereaux officiating. Burial to follow in Star of the Sea Cemetery, Petit de Grat. A reception will be held at the New Horizon's Senior's Club in Arichat. Memorial donations in memory of Sylvia can be made to the Pay it Forward Angel Fund. Frances spent countless days taking her mom out to enjoy many adventures. She was not only her mom, but she also became her best friend and caregiver. Mom went very peacefully in the arms of her daughter Frances who will forever be grateful for her best friends who stood by her side.