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.
Paula Shay
February 4, 2015 at 11:44 amMary Anne – I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your mom. I know how much she meant to you. It’s a tragedy to lose your mom no matter what the age. I hope that you are your family find comfort in knowing that she is at peace.
My very best to you all,
Paula Shay
Paula Shay
February 4, 2015 at 11:45 amMary Anne – I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your mom. I know how much she meant to you. It’s a tragedy to lose your mom no matter what the age. I hope that you are your family find comfort in knowing that she is at peace.
My very best to you all,
Paula Shay
Ashleigh Gibson
February 4, 2015 at 1:25 pmDear Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very sad time. Mrs. Ethel was a lovely woman. She and I would visit together when I would come over to see Barbara. She will be greatly missed.
We are very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Ashleigh & Scott Gibson
Mike and Barb Hodom
February 5, 2015 at 9:07 amMary Anne and Family, Please accept our sincere condolences for the recent loss of your mom. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless Ethel and bring her to a special place in heaven, Amen.
Kay and Gary Moore
February 5, 2015 at 9:23 amFor Barbara and Family
Remembering Ethel vacationing in Ogunquit and the times we spent with her over the years.
Enjoy all your wonderful memories of such a sweetheart of a Mom.
Much love, Kay and Gary
Karen Duenow
February 5, 2015 at 11:38 amMany you find comfort in remembering her love that will keep her close to your heart forever. Thinking of all you with sympathy at this sad time. Karen Duenow
Trish Anderson
February 5, 2015 at 1:19 pmDear Barb, Mary Anne, and Paul,
It was an honor and a privilege to get to know your mother these last few years. She was such a sweet lady and always had that sweet smile on her face. She now is out of the pain that she was in and has her wings. She spent some great time at our house for Thanksgiving and Easter and was a wonderful guest. Texas was finally feeling like home for her. I hope we were part of her feeling that way. Our prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Larry and Trish Anderson
W. Ralph Sommers
February 5, 2015 at 1:21 pmMary Anne and Family…Please accept my condolences on mom’s passing. Mary Anne probably remembers I met mom at her Dad’s funeral…she was a lovely lady…I wish everyone the peace that passes all understanding….perhaps at some point I will visit Mary Anne again and wishing the best to all…..ralph
Bruce Reisner
February 5, 2015 at 1:50 pmPaul – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kimberly Milza
February 6, 2015 at 1:36 pmDear Mary Anne,
Sending you and your entire family my deepest sympathies. I know that you have lots of wonderful memories of your mom that you will keep close to your heart. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Kimberly