Obituary of Berneice Martha Skelly

BERNEICE MARTHA SKELLY (nee White)

“Bunny,” as she was known to all, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the age of 92.  She will be missed by her children, Thais Turner (Gary, deceased), Karen Lang (Don), Grant (Tracie) and her adored grandchildren, Caitlin (Steve Dutchak), Garrett, Erin, Robyn, Timothy, Trevor, Breanna and Alaina.  She also leaves many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of whom she was truly thrilled to remain connected with.  She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Bob Skelly.  They, together, owned and operated Canadian Tire franchises from 1955 until retirement in 1996, first in Aylmer, Ontario, followed by St. Thomas and finally Windsor.  They moved to Toronto in 1998. Bunny was born in Balaclava, Ontario, and spent portions of her life in Owen Sound, Toronto and Sudbury before meeting Bob on a Sudbury ski hill, and eventually moving to southern Ontario.    Skiing and travel were her two favourite pastimes.  She skied until well in to her 80’s and travelled even longer. Their chalet in Big White, Kelowna, was where all the grandchildren learned to ski.  The travel adventures took both her and Bob all over the world.  She hated to give up on the adventure!  Bunny was a tireless volunteer and always quick to lend a hand and offer help.  She was there for all of us and we will miss her strong and reliable presence in our lives. We would like to express thanks for the compassionate support received from the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, which allowed Bunny to remain comfortably at home in her final weeks.   Many thanks also to Dr. Mansour Alvi and Sarah Alvi, for their additional support.   A special thank you to her wonderful care-givers, especially Sonny Delarosa, and also Maria, Mericel, Jun, Carol, Grace and Francis.  We are grateful to them for the compassionate care they provided.   The family will receive friends in CHRIST CHURCH DEER PARK, 1570 Yonge Street, Toronto for visitation on Friday, June 9th from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 416-586-8203 or The Owl Foundation, www.theowlfoundation.ca (a personal favourite of Bunny’s).  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.