Carmen Skeen

Carmen was born in Oakland, California, the daughter of Emma Schafer Martino, and Nicola Martino, she grew up in the Modesto area alongside her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, George Davis, and her sister, Louise Vancil.

On February 12, 1983, Carmen married the love of her life, and fellow Rosevelt Junior High classmate, Thomas Raye Skeen, and together they shared 43 years of marriage. Carmen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always placing her family at the center of her life.

Carmen held many positions throughout her career, including assistant to the CEO, and HR coordinator/supervisor with Stanislaus County. She was also a legal secretary, realtor, and a true salesperson extraordinaire, known for her warmth, professionalism, and ability to connect with people.

Carmen is best remembered for her volunteer work and deep involvement in the community. She served as President of Friends of Community Hospice and served with the Community Hospice Foundation and on the Community Hospice Board. She was an Ambassador with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, served on the Big Brothers Board of Directors, and was a member of the Modesto Symphony Guild and the Executive Club of Modesto. Carmen also volunteered her time with the American Red Cross and spent countless hours serving at the Community Hospice and Health Services, Alex Cohen Hospice House in Hughson. She used the previous Medi-Flight Polo Plus fundraising event as inspiration for the Friends of Hospice Polo event hosted from 2002-04 and 2009 raising substantial funds for Friends of Hospice.

In recognition of her dedication and service, Carmen received the Eileen and Julio Gallo Leadership Award for Community Hospice, as well as the Outstanding Volunteer for Fundraising award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Carmen is survived by her husband, Thomas Raye Skeen, and is lovingly remembered by her four children: Stephen Snyder (Allison) of Winchester, Tennessee; Gregory Snyder of Modesto, California; Nanette Spitulski (Marty) of Modesto, California; and Deborah Stueve (Mark) of Brookings, South Dakota.

She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Andrew Stueve (Ann), Erin Stueve, Stephen Spitulski (Hailey), Ryan Fisher (Allysa), Lauren Fisher-McWhorter (Jonathan), Scott Snyder (Kelly), and Kevin Snyder. She also had five great-grandchildren: Elena Moreno; Charlie, Nash, and Knox Spitulski; and Paul Stueve.

Carmen was a social and exceptionally organized woman whose faith was at the center of her life. She was deeply involved at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she faithfully sang in the choir and participated in the Gregorian chant group. She loved hosting holidays and entertaining family and friends, creating a home filled with laughter, tradition, and togetherness.

Carmen and her beloved husband, Tom, also enjoyed extensive traveling and treasured the memories they made along the way. She loved playing dominoes with friends and family, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cheering them on at games, attending performances, and celebrating their milestones.

Carmen enjoyed knitting and baking and was famous for always having the latest and best recipes. Two of her families’ favorites were her beloved taco soup and pretzel salad. One of the most daring things Carmen ever did was to jump out of a perfectly good airplane at 52 years old, an adventurous moment her family will never forget.

Carmen was truly loved by all, and her kindness, leadership, faith, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed.

Holy Rosary and Funeral Mass

March 19th, 2026 at 9:30 am with Mass to follow at 10:00 am

St. Joeseph’s Catholic Church 1813 Oakdale Road Modesto, CA

Officiating: Father Michael Brady

Rite of Committal

Lakewood Memorial Park 900 Santa Fe Ave Hughson, CA

Celebration of Life Reception

Surla’s 2:00 pm 431 12th Street Modesto, CA

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friends of Community Hospice (Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation), 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356. Phone: (209) 578-6300. Email: [email protected]