Obituary of Beverly Skipper

SKIPPER, Beverly Elizabeth (Holmes)

Beverly Elizabeth (Holmes). Surrounded by family, Beverly passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA), Chatham at the age of 92. Born in Chatham, daughter of the late John Fleming (Bun) and Dorothy (Hill) Holmes of Tilbury Ontario.

Bev was the beloved wife of 74 years to Charles “Chuck” William Skipper, her "Mr. Wonderful".

Loving mother of Terry Skipper (Janet) of Chatham, Lynn Novacco (Mario) of Fletcher, Peggy Skipper of Chatham, Danny Skipper (Cheryl) Nelles of Merlin, Erin Blackwell (Bill) of Chatham, and Heather Wilcox (Tim) of Petrolia.

Cherished grandmother of Stephanie Hunter (Mike), Jessica Skipper (Julien) Samson, Derrick Novacco, Brandon Novacco, Jared Novacco (Jen) Assuncaio, Cassie McLeod (Andrew), Chris Bourne, Shae-Lynn Bourne-Turok (Bohdan), Calea Souter (Kevin), Sean Bourne, Jodi Skipper (Jamie), Danny “DJ” Skipper (Erin) Wallace, Chelsea Horvath (Aaron), Paige Skipper, Whitney Hannaford (Andrew), Colby (Ken) Calvert, Taylor Nguyen (Steve), Shana Wilcox (Ryan) Frostad, Ashley Wilcox (Tynan) Bogaert. And, great grandma to 28 great grandchildren.

Predeceased by her brother Dr. Robert “Bob” Holmes of Texas, survived by sister in-laws Isabel (Dobson) Holmes of Texas, Barbara Skipper of Toronto, Dorothy Skipper of Windsor, cousin Art Shields of Kingsville, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Bev enjoyed spending time with her community coffee group "The Cackle Club of Merlin. Bev and Chuck enjoyed many years together “curling" and socializing with friends as members of the Chatham Granite Club, where Bev was also a Past Ladies President. Bev  devoted time to her community as a member of the “Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario", was an active volunteer and past President of the Public General Hospital “Junior Hospital League” of Chatham, and active participant of the “Red Hat Ladies”. Bev loved music and singing. With her gifted voice, she sang in her church choir from a young age at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Tilbury and in later years at Christ Anglican Church in Chatham. Her greatest joy and blessing was her family. Chuck and their six children, nineteen grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

A private service will be held with family at Christ Anglican Church, 80 Wellington St W, Chatham, on Tuesday, September 21^st 2021 at 11am with cremation to follow. A Celebration of Life memorial and gathering of friends and family will take place at a later and COVID safe date. Interment in Stewart Cemetery, Tilbury.

A special thank you to Dr. David Miller, the staff and support services at both London Victoria Hospital and Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Continuing Care for the love and care provided to Beverly during her stay in hospital. The family wishes to extend their sincere thank you and appreciation for the well wishes, kindness and love shown to Bev and her family over the past few difficult months. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Christ Anglican Church or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St, Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040