Obituary of Avis M. Skivington

Avis Joan MacKenzie Skivington Gracefully and peacefully entered into Heaven with her loving family by her side at home on Thursday, February 23, 2012. She was born August 18, 1931 in Concord, NH. The daughter of Chester MacKenzie and Marion Clark and stepfather Ronald Clark. She was the widow of Robert F. Skivington, Sr. Together they raised eight adoring children. She was the member of St. Mary's Parish, Washingtonville, NY where she taught CCD for many years. Our Mom and Grammy was truly our family's matriarch. She led us, guided us and always praised us in every aspect of our lives. Her beautiful spirit shines through all of us. She was well loved by all for her sharp wit and her straight forward sense of humor which she maintained until the very end. She has left us all a legacy of unconditional love, compassion for all and a steadfast desire to overcome life's adversities. Mom pursued over a fifty year distinguished career in nursing, which included: O.R., E.R., Supervisor and Newborn Nursery. She ended her nursing career as a Hospice Nurse. She provided her patients and their families with care, mercy and a dignified passing. Ultimately, her greatest love and devotion was her family. We thank you Mom and feel truly blessed to have had such a wonderful role model. One of her greatest passions was sports, whether it was playing them or cheering us on from the sidelines. She never missed a game and could be heard by all with her unmistakable New Hampshire accent. She will be watching March Madness from the heavens, where she will be cheering on the Blue Devils of Duke and her beloved Coach K. Survivors include her children: Patricia Skivington and partner, Gerald Avolio, of Monroe, NY; Michael and his wife Julie, of Long Beach, NY: Maureen and her husband, Gregory, of Pine Bush, NY; Anne Marie and her husband, Douglas Declerk of Goshen, NY; John and his wife, Deanne of Newburgh, NY; and James of Monroe, NY. Her grandchildren: Alexis Skivington; Gregory, Patrick and Kevin MacAvoy; Justine Skivington and fianc, Jeff Pitter, Carolyn, Robert III, and Andrew Skivington; Taylor, Griffin and Grace Declerk; JP, Tyler, Ryan and Kyle Skivington. Great Grandchild, Courtney Pittner. She was predeceased by her children: Margaret Skivington Mandano and Robert F. Skivington, Jr. and two brothers; Gordon MacKenzie and Ralph Clark. She is also survived by her very special lifelong friends: Corrine and Cass Cassavaugh of Penacook, NH and her "adopted sister" Sr. Ann Daly of Goshen, NY. And is now happily reunited in heaven with her soul sister, Mrs. Pat Lekowski. She will be greatly missed by her dog, Maggie, her faithful companion. A very special thank you to her Hospice Family, who, without a doubt, provided Mom with more comfort then they will ever know for which we are eternally grateful, especially: Ester, Vivian, Terry and Sister Ann Daly. Visitation will be Sunday, February 26 from 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 am on Monday, February 27 at Sacred Heart Chapel, 26 Stage Rd., Monroe, NY. Cremation will be private. Burial will be in Cemetery of the Highlands, Highland Mills, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Orange County, 800 Stony Brook, Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com .