Born: January 17, 1923
Died: November 20, 2007
Married: Myron J. Skeels
Children: Brian Skeels, Bob Skeels, Dick Skeels, Helen Skeels, Kathy Skeels Hahn
SARANAC LAKE - Claire (Saumier) Skeels, 84, of Saranac Lake, died at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake Nov. 20, 2007, following a short illness.
Born Jan. 17, 1923 in Lancaster, Ontario, she was the daughter of Gertrude and Medric Saumier.
Skeels had lived at her McClelland Street home for 48 years. She married Myron "Rube" Skeels on Dec. 4, 1942 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Rochester.
Claire graduated from Saranac Lake High School.
She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker, who enjoyed her garden and flowers, spending time with her children and traveling to warm vacation spots.
Claire is survived by five children: Brian Skeels and his wife Debbie, of Houston, Texas, Bob Skeels and his wife Darlene, of Simsbury, Conn., Dick Skeels and his wife Trisha, of Amsterdam, N.Y., Helen Skeels and her friend Lucie Denkewicz, of Clifton Park and Kathy (Skeels) and her husband Mike Hahn, of Ballentine, S.C.; seven grandchildren: Kelli Skeels Anderson, Kristina Skeels O'Brien, Jason Mills, Jonathon Skeels, Jennifer Skeels, Christina Skeels and Karen Skeels; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, who died on Christmas Day, 2006.
Calling hours will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. A bible vigil service will take place at 5:45 p.m. on Friday. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 1:15 a.m. Saturday at St. Bernard's Church, with Rev. Thomas Kornmeyer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery.
Friends wishing to remember Claire may make a memorial donation to High Peaks Hospice.
