Ethel M. Skavina

ROME, NY – Ethel M. Skavina, 92, of Rome, New York, passed away peacefully with her children and extended family by her side on Sunday, February 1,2015, under the care of The Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, TX.  Born in Albany May 12, 1922, she was the daughter of Harry J. and Marie R. Smith.  Ethel graduated from Vincentian Institute and the College of St. Rose, and worked as a secretary for the NY State Education Department.  Ethel was predeceased by her husband, Edward F. Skavina, whom she married on November 26, 1952.  The couple moved to Rome, NY in 1952, where she lived for 58 years.  Recently, she lived under the loving care of her daughter, Barbara.  Ethel was a communicant of St. Paul’s Church in Rome and of St. Vincent de Paul’s Church while in Albany.  She volunteered for Literacy Volunteers, was a church school teacher and a member of the Rome Hospital Twigs. Ethel enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and crossword puzzles, and was a generous donor to various charitable causes.

Ethel is survived by her son Paul (Kathy) Skavina of Rome, her daughter Barbara Hines of Hideaway, TX, and her daughter Mary Anne (Michael) Stannard of Albany.  Ethel was a loving mother and extremely proud of her children; she will be deeply missed. Also survived by her sisters-in-law Clara Hemmett, Evelyn Skavina, and Jan James; her four grandchildren Matthew and Rachel Skavina, and Brock and Nicole Hines; and by three nephews.

At Ethel’s request, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 10:00 am in St. Vincent de Paul Church, 900 Madison Ave., Albany.  Relatives and friends are invited.  Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

Click here to view Ethel’s resting place in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, New York (Zip Code Albany, NY 12205).