Sandra J. Skiff, age 75, of Aiken, SC, and formerly of Waterford, died unexpectedly on Monday, July 23, 2012 at UPMC Hamot after an extended illness.
Born in Salamanca, NY on December 12, 1936, Sandra was a daughter of the late Antoni and Katherine Bandura Wrona. After the death of her parents, she moved to the Waterford area to live with her sister, Mary Szall. She graduated in 1954 from the Waterford Academy and was married January 15, 1955 to George William Skiff.
Sandra loved her family very much and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a gifted singer and therefore music played a major role in her life. In addition to singing at many weddings and church services, Sandra enjoyed singing at the old time minstrel shows, she founded and directed the “Righteous Rebels”, a touring youth choir, and she served as choir director at three Waterford churches– First Presbyterian, St. Cyprian Catholic, and St. Peters Episcopal. Most importantly, she passed down her love of music to her children.
As a dedicated mom, Sandra attended any event her boys were involved in, from music to sports. And while she was primarily a homemaker, she also worked as a teacher’s aid at Fort LeBoeuf Middle School, and was a displayer for Home Interiors.
Preceding her in death were two sisters– Mary Szall and Pauline Jusko; and two brothers– Edward and Anthony Wrona.
Family members that survive include her husband, George William Skiff; four sons– James E. Skiff and his wife Carolyn of Pittsburgh, David M. Skiff and his wife Ester of North Chili, NY, John P. Skiff of Erie, and Daniel P. Skiff and his wife Karen of Aiken, SC; also, ten grandchildren– Benjamin, Hannah and Erin Skiff, Lauren Doyle, Morgan and Jordan Skiff, and Spencer, Alex, Sabrina and Nolan Skiff; a great-grandson, Keenan Doyle; a brother, Leo Wrona and his wife Helene of Salamanca, NY; and two sisters-in-law– Freida Wrona of Mill Village and Mary Wrona of Vergennes, VT.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at the Waterford First Presbyterian Church on Saturday morning at 11:00 am and will be officiated by Fr. Norman Field of St. Peters Episcopal Church. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
I was deeply saddened to learn about Sandy. She was a dear person . I met Sandy and Bill at St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Aiken, S.C. My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to Bill and the family. I know she will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to your family. It has been many years since I saw Sandy. She was my Home Interiors displayer, but she also was such a wonderful person. I would go to her house to pick up my merchandise and we would sit and talk about more than just the product. She touched my heart in so many ways. She was so proud of her family and she wasn’t quiet about it. Her smile…I will always remember that smile. It was so contagious. I am so glad I got to know her and believe me, she will always be in my heart.
Dear Bill,
So sorry to hear about Sandy’s passing we hope that you can draw strength and comfort from your faith in God, and your family and friends. If there is anything we can do for you please lets us know. We love you.
Jack & Dee Martins
Bill, Jim, Dave, John, Dan and the Skiff family,
Although no words can help ease the loss you bear, just know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
From our hearts our deepest sympathy.
Ralph, Priscila & John Walsh
It seems surreal that in a few short months the family should lose two of its beloved family members. I have always felt so fortunate to have been brought into this family and having always made to feel special and a part of the something bigger than the individual. Sandra would always go out of her to make me feel as one of the family – in the way she harassed me as a sister might her brother. Or by sending me two sometimes three birthday cards as if it would some how mysteriously add years to my age closing that narrow gap of years between us. At the drop of a dime she would laugh at my playful comments and make light of me picking on her. We will miss her contagious humor, beautiful song, witty playful nature, and the special person she was to us all. She now sings on high with the Wrona Choir in a place where there is peace – calmness – and I will forever hear her laughter among the Angels
My sincere sympathy to the whole family. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Sandy, but have always remembered her as a beautiful person. My heart and prayers go out to you all.
Dan,
I’m saddened to read of the loss of your Mom. I hope that, amidst the sense of loss, you and your family will reflect on many happy memories and times together.
Gibert
Deepest sympathy from your Ressi family.
We’ve only know Sandra and Bill Skiff a few short years but in that time we’ve realized that Sandra was a person who we were pleased to know. She will be missed in our little community.
Our heartfelt love and sympathy to you all, Uncle Bill, Jim, John, Dave, Dan and all your families. All of us were blessed to have this special woman in our lives. What I always appreciated so much about her was how she kept in touch with all the nieces and nephews, whether by phone or by sending cards for every occasion. In this day of email, she kept the long distance and card industries going all on her own! She was sweet, talented, and she kept everyone laughing. We will all miss her dearly. Love from Kathy, Steve and our family, and from Mary.