Margaret T. Skinner, loving mother, sister, friend, dedicated homemaker and volunteer, passed away peacefully Friday, June 15, 2012 after surgery, with her family by her side. Age 81, she was a resident of Colorado Springs since 1974.
Margaret Theresa Olish was born on October 10, 1930 in Orleans, Minnesota to the late John and Josefa (“Josie” Gorka) Olish (Oles). She married Ralph L. Skinner, raised a family, and had lived in Willmar, Minnesota; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Washington, DC; and Lancaster, Minnesota.
Before starting her family, Margaret held positions with General Mills (Aerospace) and the National Education Association. Later in life she worked for Montgomery Ward in Colorado Springs.
She is survived by three children: Linda Skinner (Wayne) of Denver, Colorado; Douglas Skinner of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Donald (Wendy) Skinner of Rehoboth, Massachusetts; a sister: Angeline (Bob) Kaehn of Centennial, Colorado; a half-sister Judy (John) Cowles of Minneapolis, Minnesota; cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of over 30 years; and a half sister, Priscilla Wilebski.
Margaret will be best remembered for her kindness and love of conversation, and her natural elegance. She was an avid gardener and lover of animals. Her family always came first.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, 1730 E. Fountain Boulevard, in the “America the Beautiful” Chapel. Cremation is planned. A reception will follow the service at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard in Colorado Springs.
Gifts in Margaret’s memory may be made to National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362.