Obituary of Norma E. Skinner

SKINNER, Norma, 88, of Land O’ Lakes, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Hernando Pasco Hospice in Dade City, FL. She was born in Hamburg, NY on February 22, 1921, daughter of the late Norman and Mary Brehem, one of five other children, Esther, Violet, John, Gladys, and Clifford. Norma will be missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She was known for her kind and giving nature, and her ability to always see the best in everyone. Norma raised six children, giving individual attention to each, and encouraging them to believe in themselves. As “Grandma” she did the same for many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, and neighborhood children as well. She had a deep faith in God and was an active member of the Catholic Church in every community she lived in. As partner in a farming operation, Norma practiced organic farming, recycling, and energy conservation before there were even terms for this. She loved raising vegetables, flowers, farm animals and fed her family and friends from the bounty she grow. Norma is preceded in death by her first husband, George Rettig; son, Paul Skinner; brother, John Brehm; and sisters, Ester Baumis and Violet Buckle. Norma is survived by her husband of 48 years, Raymond Skinner, her children, Linda Carver and husband Gary, George Rettig and wife Helen, Mary Gibson and husband Doug, Theresa Wynn and companion Mark Cremeans, and James Skinner and wife Marcia; 25 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren, 12 great, great grandchildren; sister, Gladys Lapis and brother, Clifford Brehm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Hernando Pasco Hospice, 37441 Clinton Ave, Dade City, FL 33525, where she was cared for with kindness and compassion. Norma lived her life not like a candle in the wind, but as a strong, steady flame that warmed everyone around her. We will miss her greatly. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Friday, May 29, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. hn glover death datepsychology and lung cancer