Mary Lucille Skidmore
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Mary's obituary
Mary Lucille Skidmore (Shea) experienced a stroke on March 29, 2026. She entered into eternal life on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026, at Denver Hospice, surrounded by her family. Mary was a cherished and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, and she is deeply missed.
Mary was born on February 17, 1950, in Long Island, New York to a red-headed, Irish father, Joseph, who had wanted to be a priest until he met her beautiful mother Patricia. She grew up in Westminster, California, the eldest daughter among her lively siblings, Joe, Maureen, Jim, Bab and Steve, spending summers playing in the pool and enjoying the sun.
Once in high school, she met Craig and he made quite an impression. She had the nerve to ask him to a dance. Craig said yes and the rest became history as they were married a year later, starting their family in Mission Viejo, CA. Their children Patty, Jim, Anne and Julie were raised in a house full of life, prayer and delicious food.
Mary was a devoted mother and with Craig's support was able to focus on raising her kids with love and a strong faith in God. She would be seen up early every morning with her Bible open and her journal full of prayers for her family.
Mary loved to tell stories of answered prayer. Prayer got them into her dream house on Brook Hollow in Lake Forest where they raised their family. Prayer helped her find Craig’s stolen truck in the Kmart parking lot; and as luck would have it, she had the keys in her purse and was able to drive it right off the lot. She'd likely credit a combination of prayer and persistence for winning that Monte Carlo on The Price is Right in 1975. And prayer allowed her the joy of seeing her children and grandchildren carry a strong faith in Jesus.
Next to her Bible and journal were her recipes, cookbooks, and her envelope full of coupons with her grocery list written on it. Mary was an amazing cook who loved people with food and invited guests to the table with joy and generosity. A true foodie, when out at restaurants you could count on her asking, "Do you want to trade bites?"
She was also generous with her time, spending cumulative decades on the baseball and softball fields supporting the sports ambitions of her children. She never seemed to tire of cheering her children on and ringing that cow bell. She mothered with an amazing balance of support while allowing her children to follow their own dreams.
She pursued her own passions in sports, as a champion bowler on league teams with Craig at Forest Lanes in the 1970s and 80’s. And later taking golf lessons and joining friends at the Lake Forest Golf Course.
Mary was also a talented quilter and seamstress, making adorable Halloween costumes, stuffed animals and beautiful dresses for her children and grandchildren. The lovely quilts she made will tangibly wrap us in her love for years to come.
As a grandmother and great grandmother, Mary was present even when states separated her from her true loves. When the grandkids visited, she would greet them with a See’s lollipop at the airport and have fun crafts, water balloon tosses and meals planned. As soon as a visit was over, she was planning for the next one.
She loved celebrating birthdays, going out to eat, and attending musicals or concerts with friends and family. Some of her favorite singers were Neil Diamond, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis and Garth Brooks. Her favorite musicals included Phantom of the Opera, South Pacific, The Sound of Music and Big River.
Mary shared her talents outside the home as well, working as a secretary, a home decor consultant at Joann’s Fabrics, and a transportation aid for special needs children. Creating a beautiful home and caring for kids are passions she carried throughout her whole life. She never met anyone she couldn’t make laugh, never took herself too seriously, and had a vivacious energy that could light up a room.
She loved God, family and friends deeply and has always been excited about being with Jesus in heaven. We take solace in knowing she is where she always longed to be. She is survived by her husband Craig, four children, eight grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 in Ladera Ranch, CA.
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