Obituary of Elizabeth Skinner

Elizabeth Skinner passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 18^th, 2024. She was 95 years old.

Born in London, England to parents Charles and Elizabeth (Lizzie), she would marry her husband John in September 1951. They moved to the United States in 1953, spending time in Oklahoma, Oregon, and Basking Ridge before settling in their home in Gladstone in 1971. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Brigid’s Church in Peapack, where she’d be a fixture at the 5pm Saturday mass.

Elizabeth loved being active – she was an avid tennis player and golfer – and was a member of the Fox Chase Racquet Club, the Women’s Golf League, and the Bowling League. She loved spending time with her family on their 30 foot sailboat, enjoying the “après-sail” – sharing wine and hors d’Oeuvres at Sunset on her and John’s many sailing adventures.

Elizabeth enjoyed her life in rural Gladstone where she tended to her bountiful garden around the backyard pool.   She’d make a point of keeping the local birds well fed—you could catch her looking out over the backyard with her favorite binoculars to view the many hummingbirds that would frequent her well cared for feeders.    Elizabeth was also an avid sports fan who loved watching tennis matches on television.  For many years she faithfully made the journey to Wimbledon in England and the US Open Tennis Championships in New York City to enjoy tennis with her family.  It was not unusual for her to be heard yelling at the TV “encouraging” the NY Jets defense to tackle a running back.

 Elizabeth is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, John G. Skinner, son Gregory Skinner, daughter Sarah Johannesen, grandchildren John (fiancée Kaitlyn) and Abigail, and nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her 2 brothers, the late Ronald and Charlie Birkett.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 24, from 4-7 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 25, at 10:30 AM at St. Brigid Church, 129 Main Street, Peapack, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.