Obituary of ELIZABETH CAROLYN MARIE SKILNICK

ELIZABETH CAROLYN MARIE SKILNICK [NEE PAIGE] It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Elizabeth “Beth” Carolyn Marie Skilnick on Saturday November 7, 2015 at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg, MB after a courageous battle with cancer. Beth was born in Brandon, MB; daughter of the late Duncan Paige and Nora [Fields] Paige, and 6th of 9 children. She is survived by husband Edward William Skilnick of Winnipeg; three children Renay (Greg) Taylor-Besant of Garson, Trever (Nancy) Skilnick of Albuquerque, and Jaylee (Aaron) Lesewick of Edmonton; three grandchildren Dylan Besant, Cole Besant, and Abigail Skilnick; two brothers Dennis Paige of Brandon, and Robert “Joe” Paige of Calgary; and sisters Irene Larkins, Anita (Lew) Stouffer and Elaine Cotton of Brandon, and Arlee (Ralph) Mawer of Alexander. Beth leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends. Beth was preceded in death by her siblings James Paige and Leona (John) Harrison. Beth grew up in and around Brandon, spent some years in Regina, then moved to Winnipeg in 1971 after marrying Edward. Beth was a hairdresser for 55 years, bestowing the World with the "Betsy" up do, until her recent retirement due to illness. A small business owner in the Transcona neighbourhood, Beth was involved with The Biz and a sponsor of the Miss Transcona pageant for years. She was well liked and recognized by all, whether attending a performance at the United Church or at the “Hi Neighbour” Festival. Her kind heart, willingness to help others, and motto of “do onto others as you would have done to you” remained throughout her life and she passed those values on to her three children. She was dedicated to her immediate family, and the large extended family, especially her sisters. Beth’s quick-witted sense of humor, willingness to be silly, and ability to laugh at herself will be missed. Her hilarious stories, and her unique laugh, brightened every conversation – making even casual interactions memorable. There were many of these interactions, because Beth loved to talk to everyone! Whether you were in line for groceries or beside her on a plane, she would leave knowing your story and share it with others. And you were much more interesting in her version! Ever social, Beth loved to dance, especially jiving and line dancing to country or “oldies” music. Beth enjoyed playing games, especially with family; cards, dice, dominos or a trip to the local casino. Beth was also creative, producing lovely paintings and drawings. Grandma had a sweet tooth and was known for sharing her stashes of candy and chocolate. Her “Oh Henry” slice and shortbread cookies were in great demand at Christmas. We will miss all of these special things, and more. Although, Elizabeth’s latest cancer was devastating, it was not her first bout with adversity. Having survived polio in the early 50’s, and the loss of her brother Jimmy, only made her stronger and gave her the will to go on, day by day. The sounds of the music of the ‘50’s, the dancing with her friends, and the closeness of her family were her encouragement to carry on and be strong and resilient. Along the way through her life, Elizabeth gathered life-long friends that became her everlasting chain of letter writing that she enjoyed so much, because it allowed her to pour out her thoughts, emotions, and encouragement to others to go on, as she had done. In the final hours of her life, her thoughts were with her children, family and friends; whereby she looked at her life one final time, staring death in the face, she asked the ultimate question, “ And now what.....?” Take the time to answer her back each and every day, feel her music, feel the beat, feel her; show her that her thoughts, dreams, and aspirations were not in vain, that love still binds all of these things together and think of Elizabeth in that same context and hold on to these thoughts the rest of your lives. At Elizabeth’s request, a private family graveside gathering will be held in Alexander, MB followed by a come and go Celebration of Life at The Victoria Inn in Brandon on Saturday, November 14th from 2 to 6. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. A special thank you to the healthcare providers who assisted in Elizabeth’s care, as well as those family members who took time out to ensure she was well cared for until her passing. Thank you also to Crop for their kind and respectful assistance at this difficult time. ~Your kindness will never be surpassed. Your passion for people always remembered. Your love for those around you never forgotten~