SKINNER, Patricia – Peacefully surrounded by her loving family, Patricia Ann Skinner passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 age 79. Born in Toronto on June 17, 1943, to Robert and Gwendolyn (née Weaver) Rae, she often recounted walks through Leaside to figure skating lessons and attending Maple Leaf and Argonaut games with her father as highlights of her youth. She remained an avid and loyal sports fan throughout her life.
As a young teen, Patricia moved with her family to Port Credit where she met and in 1961 married Paul Skinner. They moved to London, Ontario in 1968, where Paul established an architectural practice. Together they raised three children. Patricia had a natural sense of design and style and contributed to many architectural and interior design projects in partnership with Paul.
Family was always central to Patricia. The Lake Huron cottage and winter get-away overlooking Sarasota Bay served as hubs for family gatherings. She had a modern elegance and quiet determination, creating adventures with seeming ease. Patricia wasn’t complete without dogs by her side at one time having three Standard Poodles and a Maltese. A life rich in excitement and spontaneity became more challenging in later years as she devoted herself to her husband’s care through his lengthy illness. Patricia faced life with fortitude, pragmatism and humour. She loved to laugh, ‘just kidding’ being her favourite punch line.
She was the beloved wife of the late Paul Milton Skinner (2021), her husband of 60 years; dear mother to three children Robert (Michele), Bradley (Leslie) and Suzette; the loving grandmother of Christopher and Paul (Tessa); the loving great grandmother of Faline and Tommy; and the dear sister of Donald (Bridgette) Rae.
She will be forever in our memory and deeply missed by her family and friends.
The funeral service will be conducted at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond, London on Friday, November 4 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation preceding from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society or Humane Society.
To attend the service virtually, please email your request for a Zoom link to the funeral home: info@harrisfuneralhome.ca