Obituary for Josephine Mary Skinner

Life Story for Josephine Mary Skinner

On behalf of Dad, Juliette, Angela and Mom’s siblings, Michael, Melissa and Terry, and the extended family - so glad you’re with us today. I’m Elizabeth Skinner. Daughter number 3. The quiet one. Yes, I take after dad. And yes, my own words will be few. Today is about the music. It’s the best way to celebrate Mom, Josephine, Jo, Aunt Jo, Nanny Jo, Great-Nanny Jo, and as she is known by so many of you, Mrs. Skinner.

It’s nice to see so many students, choirs, friends, relatives and all of you from Mom’s extensive community. A fond hello to her church family from Trinity United of Mahone Bay, where Mom and Dad received the warm embrace of fellowship. So glad we could all gather here in the church of Mom’s youth, Nanny O’Connor’s church.

In planning today’s event, Mom emphasized the need for an organist, in her words... , “who could play a good Bach”. Fortunately, we found one in place here at Central United. In selecting the particular Bach, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”, I reminded her that she and I had played it as a duet in the music festival almost 40 years ago. She responded, “Well...maybe we could... (and paused to consider that thought)... “Oh... No...I guess I can’t play at my own funeral”.

Believe me... If there had been a way...

With Mom, all things were possible. “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” A phrase often heard in our household. One, I might add, that produced 4 strong willed daughters. There was no saying “no” to the things she truly wanted. And there was ALOT she wanted. It’s safe to say that she had a jam packed full 77 years and 51 weeks.

Today marks 78 years... and you’re all invited to the birthday party downstairs afterward. Today we also recognize over 52 years of teaching which, we were surprised to learn, Mom planned to retire from in June. So welcome to Mrs. Skinner’s official retirement bash.

How do I tell you about the woman behind the curtain of this life and career?

We thought it best to do so through the words we read in cards and letters that were received these past few weeks. The reflections of current students, former students, parents, friends, relatives, and colleagues.

Here’s what you had to say:

On Josephine’s character –

A role model - smart, energetic, committed and gutsy.

A kind-hearted and talented person.

A force, impacting, in so many great ways, the musical, educational, social and community fabric of Lunenburg.

A very special person with special talent.
A star pupil.

Unlike anyone else.

A real presence. Loved her sense of humour.

It’s hard to hold a good woman down!

She was marvellous. I love her.

She was a good soul.

Jo was one of a kind. A remarkable lady!!
Knew who she was even as a teenager and was confident to be herself.

Here’s a cute story from that time - Your mom broke the rule about how to dress for school. She’d wear pants, get punished and show up the next day wearing pants again.

In the words of her own piano teacher - “Why can’t you be like Josephine O’Connor?”

Many remarked on Mrs. Skinner’s legacy –

You have had a massive influence in how my life turned out.

Pianos, guitars, singing and dancing are important parts of our life.

You have meant so much to our congregation... You have shared your gift of music with us and we are so much the richer for it. Your music uplifts us and binds us together in community.

The time and love you have given the youth of Lunenburg has been an inspiration to us all.

I can’t tell you how much joy I have had over the last years watching your students in the music festival.

You have much to be proud of!

You have changed the music world in Lunenburg and are an amazing teacher.

There are a precious few in every community who make an impact that is felt deep within and far beyond.
You are one of Lunenburg’s precious few.

The time you have so generously given to our community over the years has been a true gift.

I consider you the face, hands and voice of music and festivals in your area.

In remembering Melody Lane – A wonderful progressive nursery school, with the most wonderful snacks – cabbage leaf with peanut butter.

So many fond memories – puppet shows, an outdoor circus, songs and snacks...

And in regard to the Lunenburg Swimming Pool – Many years of dedicated service provided to the young people in and around Lunenburg... to learn to swim and excel in the water.

Fond memories of Lunenburg Pool and your lessons.

I’ll never forget my days at the pool when she was running the show.

There remains the legacy of Mom’s garden, evidence, I think, of her soft spot.

Many of you shared life lessons learned -

You have taught me so much about not only music, but also valuable life skills.

Hard work and dedication pays off!

Piano has made me strong, disciplined, determined, confident and perseverant.

Goal setting is essential to succeed.

Focus. It’s OK to stumble. Try, try, and try again.

“Good, Better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.”

Nothing is impossible. I just had to put in the work, practice hard, and believe.

She made me want to do better and pushed me to measure up... I respected her for that.

Small sacrifices are needed in the attainment of a greater goal.

“When one door closes, another one opens.”

And here are your words of appreciation –

Thank you – For crazy hats and pins and outfits.

For all the joy you brought... with your wonderful talent.

For teaching me music. For teaching me the piano and to sing.

For your dedication to so many things.

For teaching me discipline and to always hold myself to the highest standards.

For showing everyone you worked with to be strong and confident no matter what.

For all the pictures! So many memories of all the musical moments...

For all the lessons, recitals, festivals and events you prepared me for.

For believing in me and pushing me to do my best, always.

For showing me a world filled with music, and guiding me.

It was a proud moment when you introduced me as “your” choir director.

I wasn’t the best student, but I always felt like you were kind and patient with me.

I am eternally grateful.

She helped shape me into the person I am today.

I love you Aunt Jo, and will always remember your kindness to me.

Best Aunt ever.

You will remain in our hearts always.

Thank you for being “you”!

And finally... Thank you for the music, obviously...

To all of you here today, we are honoured to say, in dad’s simple words, “Thank you.”
Now Mom... relax ... and enjoy the music as it continues...
You have the best seat in the house.