Avis M. Skivington
Avis Joan MacKenzie Skivington of South Blooming Grove died at home, with her family by her side, on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012. She was 80.
Daughter of Chester MacKenzie and Marion Clark and stepfather Ronald Clark, she was born Aug. 18, 1931, in Concord, N.H.
She was the widow of Robert F. Skivington Sr. Together they raised eight children.
She was the member of St. Mary's Parish, Washingtonville, where she taught CCD for many years.
She pursued over a 50-year distinguished career in nursing, which included: O.R., E.R., supervisor and newborn nursery. She ended her career as a hospice nurse. She provided her patients and their families with care, mercy and a dignified passing.
Ultimately, her greatest love and devotion was her family. One of her greatest passions was sports, whether it was playing them or cheering us on from the sidelines.
Survivors include her children, Patricia Skivington and partner, Gerald Avolio, of Monroe, Michael and his wife Julie, of Long Beach, N.Y.: Maureen and her husband, Gregory, of Pine Bush; Anne Marie and her husband, Douglas Declerk of Goshen; John and his wife, Deanne, of Newburgh; and James of Monroe; grandchildren, Alexis Skivington; Gregory, Patrick and Kevin MacAvoy; Justine Skivington and fiancé, Jeff Pitter, Carolyn, Robert III, and Andrew Skivington; Taylor, Griffin and Grace Declerk; JP, Tyler, Ryan and Kyle Skivington; one great-grandchild, Courtney Pittner; special lifelong friends, Corrine and Cass Cassavaugh of Penacook, N.H., and her "adopted sister," Sr. Ann Daly of Goshen; and her dog, Maggie.
She was predeceased by two of her children, Margaret Skivington Mandano and Robert F. Skivington Jr.; and two brothers, Gordon MacKenzie and Ralph Clark.
Visitation was held Feb. 26 at the Donovan Funeral Home, Goshen. A Mass of Christian burial was held Feb. 27 at Sacred Heart Chapel, Monroe. Cremation was private. Burial will be in the Cemetery of the Highlands, Highland Mills, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange County, 800 Stony Brook, Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550.