Our beloved Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma passed away at the age of 96, on March 12, 2009. Betty was born in Belfast, Ireland. She settled with her parents and two brothers on a farm in Vulcan, Alberta to be with her cousins, the Fulton clan of ten children. Mom enjoyed skating and playing hockey with her cousins and brothers.
In Calgary, she went to Business school and finished a degree in piano. In 1935 her family moved to Vancouver where she worked at the Royal Bank, General Motors and later Sweeney Cooperage. She met her future husband Jim at a Valentine’s party in 1942 and married in 1944. In 1948 they moved to Port Alberni where Dad opened up the new Woodwards store.
Arlene Joan was born in 1948, followed by Marilyn Anne in 1950. Mom and Dad enjoyed a wonderful social life in Port Alberni. Golf, tennis and music were a big part of their lives. Mom had a strong sense of community, active in Girl Guides and the United Church.
After Dad retired in 1974, they moved to Victoria, continuing to play golf and enjoying their special walks at Willow’s Beach.
Mom’s straight forward attitude, (feisty), razor-sharp mind and loving, compassionate heart will be remembered by all. She found joy in playing bridge, listening to classical music, tackling the crossword puzzles, cheering on the Blue Jays, emailing family and knitting sweaters for her great grandchildren. Her strong faith and values guided us all.
Mom is predeceased by her husband, James Alexander Skinner and her brothers Jim and Gordon Johnston. She is survived by her two daughters: Arlene (Nelson) Storry and Marilyn Taylor; her grandchildren: Paul, Amy (Ken), Karin (Clint), Heather, Sara and Sean; and great grandchildren: Stella, Lily-Anne, Madeline and Claire. Her niece, Diane (Pete) and nephew, Brian (Donna) held a special place in their Aunt Betty’s heart.
A celebration of life will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m., a reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre
The family would like to thank the staff at the Kensington for the special relationship they shared with Betty over the past eleven years. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Herbert Domke for providing exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice.
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Alan Hird
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Gillian Braun To the Storry family…..
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mum (Grandma). I remember her watching a bit of field hockey back in the day when the girls were tearing up the field.
Just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts….
Gillian
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Penny and Marjorie Stephenson Arlene and family, I just read the paper and saw that your mom had passed away. May I offer my deepest condolences at this time. My mom and your mom enjoyed eight years together at the Kensington playing bridge. I continued to bring my mom to see your mom even after she left the Kensington and she was always a gracious hostess and my mom thoroughly cherished these times with Betty. I last spoke to her at Christmas but at that time she wasn’t feeling well and wasn’t up to a visit but she was such a trooper and wished my mom well. Again my sympathies go out to you and your family at this time. May she rest in peace. Penny Stephenson
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Walt & Eileen McConville We wish to express our condolences to the family. Walt was a member of the Village Squires and sang in a quartet with Jim -Skinner’s Winners”.
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margaret(somerville) devries It has been many years since I babysat for the Skinner family so long ago in Port Alberni .I believe it would have been in the mid1950’s when I would happily care for Arlene and Marilyn. I remember enjoying the well behaved sweet girls and the kindness of their loving parents. Your mother and father were both very special people and although it had been years since I last saw them, I will always continue to remember them fondly. My best wishes to Arlene and Marilyn and their families. Margaret
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Eileen Clark My condolences to the family. We have a special place in our hearts for your parents. My husband Russell has been gone since 2001. He and Jim were golf buddies. I will very much miss the times Betty and I enjoyed. I wil miss her. I always had an update on you girls, and I feel I know you. Please feel my hugs and caring. I am unable to get to Betty’s service. Sorry.
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Gaylene & Erik Benedictson We are so sorry we cant be with you during this sad time. Betty was a spirited, loving lady & she will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to have known her.
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June (Kearney) Hickman Arlene:
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s death. I remember her as a great supporter of you and your sister and always ready to help us with Ranger activities.
Always cherish the memories that you have and know that all of us who knew your Mother will do the same. She was a great lady!
My wife Joyce and I wish to send you our sincerest condolences on the passing of Betty. She and my Mom, Betty Hird, became fast friends at the Kensington and Mrs. Skinner’s indomitable strength and everlasting cheerfullness was a wonderful encouragement to Mom. Betty was the most welcoming presence whenever we made it to the coast to visit. I am sure she is happily at peace with the many friends and family who preceded her. God Bless.
Alan (Teddy) Hird