Skinner, Mary Ella. We regret to announce the passing of Mary Ella Skinner, age 78, of South River Road, Antigonish. Ella passed away peacefully at home on Saturday January 14, 2017 with her family by her side.

Born in Guysborough, she was the daughter of the late John and Lillian (Dorrington) Skinner.

Ella was a devoted wife and mother, and was a homemaker and caregiver to many throughout her life, including several families in and around Antigonish and several residents of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. She was an active volunteer in the community, giving much of her time to the Royal Canadian Legion, the Lion's Club, and Canadian Blood Services. Ella loved to knit slippers and to do pickling and baking, and also loved a good cup of hot tea with a good book.

She is survived by her children, Lawrence (Tanya), Antigonish; Melvin (Marie), Calgary, AB; Debbie (Richard), Victoria, BC; Allan, Antigonish and Nancy (Philip), Vancouver, BC; 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sisters, Elizabeth Borden, Halifax; Maude (late Alvin) MacLean, New Glasgow; Pearl (late Victor) Skinner, New York; Rita (late William) Ash, Antigonish; and brother, Thomas Skinner, Guyborough.

She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence (Lonnie), daughters Angela and Darlene, brothers Earl, Norm, Wilfred, Chester, John and Jack, sisters Hattie and Dorothy (Dot), and grandson Lawrence John Arthur.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 7-9pm and on Friday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm in C.L.Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St., Antigonish. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday in St. James United Church, Antigonish. Burial in St. James/St. Paul Cemetery at a later date.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Lung Association, St. James United Church or Sunnyville United Baptist Church. Please sign your donor card.

Online condolence:  www.clcurry.com