Obituary of Gerry Skinner

February 23, 1937 - Edmonton, Alberta

July 13, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Gerry Skinner, beloved wife of George Skinner, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the age of 86 years.

Gerry was born in Edmonton, AB, on February 23, 1937. She moved to Toronto, ON, in 1970 for a brief time and in 1971, moved to Calgary, AB, with George and her son John.

Gerry married Hans Schmitt in October of 1956 in Edmonton, AB; their son John was then born December of 1957. Gerry married George Skinner in December of 1970 in Toronto.

Gerry accomplished much through her life, enjoying playing piano, dance, and her bowling leagues in Edmonton. She was particularly proud of her long career in the Insurance business. She was most proud of her son and his business and sporting achievements. Gerry’s love for her four cats was outstanding!

In retirement, Gerry enjoyed her many days walking in Fish Creek Park feeding the little birds and yes, talking to them too, especially Peanut the Magpie. That was her peaceful, relaxing, me time.

Gerry’s most memorable vacation was in the summer of 1968, when she took her son John and her mom Tina on a long car trip to Victoria, BC. This was her very first adventure driving her 1957, Turquoise Chevy Bel Air outside of Edmonton. Considering she was a relatively new driver, this was quite the accomplishment over those two weeks!

Gerry is survived by her only son, John Ward Schmitt Skinner of Calgary, AB.

Gerry was predeceased by her first husband Hans Schmitt (Mosbach, Germany) in October 1970, by her second husband George, in December 2018, and her father and mother, Leo Ward and Robertina “Tina” Ward (nee Candido) of Edmonton, AB.

In living memory of Gerry Skinner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.