Thelma Marie "GiGi" (Bird) Skane

Mrs. Thelma Marie “GiGi” (Bird) Skane, age 93, passed away on Friday, December 06, 2013 at the Siegenthaler Hospice House with her family at her side. Born in Clayville on May 20, 1920, Thelma was the daughter of the late Melvin and Bertha (Durham) Bird. She attended Sauquoit Schools and it was on June 28, 1941 that she married Anthony Skane who passed away on January 20, 2008. Thelma was proud to be chosen as a member of the first group of school crossing guards for the Utica City School District which reflected her love of children. She then worked in the Hamilton College cafeteria. Many would remember her telling stories of her fond memories working with her friend Tony Garguilo. She taught First Aid classes alongside her husband, who was UFD Captain, for the Red Cross for many years. Some of her favorite pastimes were cooking and baking, and her family will remember her bringing funny cut-out cakes to their birthday parties. She was talented at sewing and it was so meaningful when she made both of her daughter’s wedding gowns. She was especially proud that she could recite all of the United States capitals to this very day. She was an avid card player with her family, especially poker, and joined a poker card club with her senior citizen friends. Thelma skied often and went with her husband to Turin when he was on the ski patrol. She was still cross-country skiing while in her seventies; a sport which she taught her great grandchildren. GiGi had a great sense of humor, and on many occasions dressed up in costume, sang comical songs, and acted in humorous skits. She was known most for singing “Little Red Schoolhouse”. Her greatest attribute was her “Pied Piper” ability to draw children to her. She had unending patience and played with them for hours. She enjoyed many summers with her family at their camp on Otter Lake. An uplifting story told many times was when she went tubing in her seventies with rubber gloves and a funny bathing cap. She also enjoyed camping in her small “Scotty” trailer. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Richard Engle of Frankfort, and Sylvia and Wayne Gentile of New Hartford; her seven grandchildren, Varinya & Bill Sheppard, Todd and Michelle (McIntyre) Engle, Dresden and Paul Olcott, Marissa and Karl Wendt, Wayne and Susan (Wagner) Gentile, Rochelle and Chad Hull, and Jordan Gentile; fifteen great grandchildren, Bryn and Tyler Sheppard, Maya and Dylan Engle, Aria and Aurora Olcott, Sydney and Mackenzie Monington, Xiomara Rivera, Austin and Paige Gentile, Hope and Hannah Russo, and Chad and Isabella Hull; and several nieces and nephews. She will also be remembered by her sister, Lillian Strong of Fl; and her brother and sisters-in-law, Dr. Albert and Honorable Joan Teuchert Shkane of New Hartford, and Margaret Shkane of OH; and her special friends, Ella Yaple, and Hank and Erma Brant. She was predeceased by her sister, Celina Vanderwood; her brother, Bernard Bird who was killed in WWII; and her in-laws, Louis and Klelia Shkane, Edward Strong, Hank Vanderwood, Edward Shkane, Jeanette and Tully McKelvey, and Antoinettte Griffiths. Her family extends appreciation to her “angels of mercy” who cared for her at home; Kathy, Judy, Beverly, Diana, and Becky, to the caring staff at the Siegenthaler Hospice House, and to Dr. El Khoury and his staff who cared for GiGi for many years. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be considered to the American Red Cross; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Thelma’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish offered by longtime family friend, Rev. John Flanagan. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Clayville at the convenience of the family.

Thelma Marie "GiGi" (Bird) Skane

May 20, 1920 - December 6, 2013