Irene Rosemarie Skelly

Obituary Irene Rosemarie Skelly Mom was born on May 8, 1919, daughter of the late Albert and Mary (Derosier) Vaudrin, in Crookston, MN. She left her body on June 22, 2015 at Allenmore Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 96. She had been living in her own home with assistance. Mom grew up on a farm near Gentilly, MN and graduated with many honors from a rural school. She later went to TCC and finished her high school diploma along with an associate degree. She graduated at 65 years young. In 1940, mom took a train to Yakima, WA where she stayed with her aunt Emma and worked at a nearby cannery. In 1942 she met and married the late Lewis Skelly. They lived for 20 years in Yakima and then moved to Tacoma in 1962. Irene was a world traveler. She loved helping others with a rise, listening, money, a place to stay, or food. She always wanted to be of service. One of her favorite sayings was "Love ALL Serve ALL". Irene loved life, her family, people, dancing and a party. She was active in her community and gave to many charities. She was met in heaven by those she loved, her husband, Lewis Skelly; all her brothers and sisters, Florence Magra (Louie), Lucille Demera (Bill), Jeanette Glass (Russel), Theodore Vaudrin, Clarence "Frenchie" Vaudrin, and Delbert Vaudrin; and son-in-law, Arnold Mackey. She is survived by Frenchie's wife, Marlys; and Delbert's wife, Verna. She leaves in charge all of her nine children, Marylyn Mackey, Jerry Skelly, Leslie Skelly (Landra), Aleta Benedicto (Bobby), Beatrice Petronelli (Mike), Fran Cozine (Dave), Phillip Skelly (Yoonie), Rosalie Ortiz, and Frank Skelly (Jeannie); 39 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 12:10pm at St. Leo Catholic Church. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.