AUBURN – M. Claire Kane Skelton died peacefully Aug. 29, 2005, at home surrounded by her loving family, after a four-month battle with ovarian cancer. Claire was born May 12, 1931, in Newton, Mass., to George P. and Alice Donahue Kane. She attended parochial schools in Newton, and graduated from Boston College School of Nursing in 1953. Claire worked for five years at Boston Children’s Hospital. She nursed burn victims, assisted on the first heart pump operation, and cared for children during the last measles and polio epidemics. In 1958, Claire married William B. Skelton. They moved into their first and only home in West Auburn, in 1959, where they raised their family and welcomed countless friends. Claire was a model of ease, grace, patience, faith, and confidence for her children. She was the touchstone and undying support for her husband, Bill. Claire was an active member of the Lewiston-Auburn community. Among other associations, Claire was a friend of the Auburn Public Library, a member of the Women’s Hospital Association and of the Maine Bar Association Auxiliary, and a past president of Tri-County Mental Health Services. She worked with Doncaster and retired as a district sales manager in 1990. Claire was a loving wife and mother, an avid and eclectic reader, and a tolerant “first mate”. For the 12 years following their retirements, Claire and Bill sailed south from Maine on their boat “Showtime” in the fall, wintered in the Bahamas, and sailed home each spring. Claire is survived by her children and their spouses, Jane Skelton and Ed Bearor of Bangor, Sue and Bill Porter of Flagstaff, Ariz., Anne Skelton of Auburn, Beth and Dan Perry of Cumberland Center, Amy Skelton and Craig McKenzie of Margaretville, Nova Scotia, and Bill and Sarah Skelton of Auburn; beloved grandchildren, Joe, Meg and Tom Bearor, Tanner and Sara Porter, Katie and Maura Perry, Emma, Molly and Grace Skelton, and Axel McKenzie; sisters, Marie Vachon of Ramsey, N.J., and Abigail Burns Morgan of Hull, Mass.; also many special nieces and nephews. Claire was predeceased by her husband, and by her infant son, William B. Skelton III. She will be remembered and missed by wonderful friends. The family extends special thanks to the staff at Central Maine Medical Center and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for the remarkable care and comfort provided during Claire’s illness. Visitation will be held 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, Sept. 3 at The Fortin Group Funeral and Cremation Services, corner of Turner and Center Streets, in Auburn, with a funeral Mass being celebrated 1 p.m. at Saint Philip’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Murray celebrant. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Claire’s family invites friends to make a gift in her memory to the Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring St., Auburn, ME 04210.
M. CLAIRE KANE SKELTON
