Sandra Skillings

EXETER, N.H. — Sandra “Grammie Gram” Skillings, 75, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at her daughter’s Exeter home after a courageous battle with cancer. She had previously lived and worked in the Bridgton and Casco areas.

Sandra was born Nov. 19, 1940, the youngest daughter of Dennis and Annie Hoyt. She was reunited in death with the love of her life and husband of 49 years, Ernest Skillings Sr.

In her lifetime Sandra worked in nursing, elder care, bookkeeping and hospitality. Her true calling should be remembered as the caring, loving mother to her six children. She was the glue that held together a very passionate family who she loved without judgment.

Survivors include her sons, William of Harrison, Timothy of N.H., and Ernest Jr. of N.H.; her daughters, Barbara of Exeter, N.H., Sandy of Casco, and Ernestine Carruthers of Fla. She is also survived by a sister, Wilma Burgess of Saco, as well as 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews; along with a multitude of others she nurtured on her journey.

“Come on in! Have you eaten yet?” Just one of the many greetings you would hear when you visited “Grammie Gram.” Her passion for cooking and loving made her an amazing and inspiring woman. Her kitchen was never closed and she always had a reason to gather and share the love.

It was with this spirit that Sandra left instructions for her family and friends to celebrate her life and her completed mission.

There will be a Celebration of “Grammie Gran’s Life on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Barb’s Village Square Restaurant in Corinna, where she labored with love in her final years.

Donations in Sandra’s name may be made to Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union Street, Suite 220, Bangor ME 04401, or at www.easternmainehomecare.org

Arrangements have been made through Crosby Neal Funeral Home in Newport. Written tributes may be left at www.CrosbyNeal.com

Burial will take place in Casco with her immediate family in attendance.