Aunt Jo was an important part of my life and all the Rea family. My visits out west with Jo & Chuck are great memories and will be with me always. Her Christmas letters, remembering our birthdays, family phone calls and her interest in our lives, and her support when we had bad times despite what went on in hers and Chucks, is truly an inspiration for us all. Not enough can be said about Jo's positive, optimistic, and energetic outlook on life.
I will miss you Jo and hope you connect with your brother Peter, my Dad, who was truly so fond of you. Comfort & love to my Uncle Chuck and cousins Wendy & Greg.
Tony Rea and family

Remembering our Aunt Jo
We all loved Jo because despite being 3,000 miles away from her Rea family members she always tried to keep in touch and encourage us to visit. She always remembered your birthday with a card and each Christmas sent tree decorations to our kids. While she was raised in a priviledged background, being the daughter of a leading Toronto banker, her energy and cleverness would not allow her to be put in the traditional women's roles of the times and she became a children's educator. After thw war this led her to jobs in the western United States, where she met Chuck, and eventual residency in Everett. I always thought that in current times, given her energy and astuteness, she would have been the CEO of some big company, just like her father. As a result of being so far away, she was unable to see much of her Rea family who were largely in Ontario. However, she always made a big effort to see her older brothers David, Fred and Peter and their offspring even though the last thing she wanted to do was get on an airplane. 
She was very close to my own father, Peter, who died just a few years ago and they had regular telephone calls while he was alive although he claimed that he did most of the listening. 
I laways admired her driving (she didn't really want you to drive) which she managed to keep doing with great competence until recently.I could only hope that some part of that genetic skill is passed on. When you did drive her, which I did the last time I visited in October, I noticed a great similarity with that of my own father who wanted to make sure that you saw every stop sign. 
Despite her efforts and desire to keep in touch with her eastern family, she was the greatest booster of her adopted communities whether it be in Everett or Olympia. Whenever she visited she would show us around and expound on the benefits of living where she did. I think in part, this enthuiasm for whatever she was doing or wherever she was living, contributed to her longevity and allowed her to retain her health and abilities until just recently. 
Above all, Jo was a kind person. Although I don't remember the details, she contributed her time and energy to various charitable causes. As well she was concerned about your best welfare. You could discuss a family issue with her and get insight and understanding. She will be missed for many reasons and this last one most of all.  Michael Rea and family

Jo Skinner was a very important person to all of our family.  She and Chuck freely shared of themselves and their resources.  When we kids were growing up our weekends at their lake house was always a summer highlight.  I know that Mom and Dad considered both Jo and Chuck among their very best friends. She was quite a lady. Sending love to Chuck and Wendy and Greg - Diane (Puck) Groeschell.

OBITUARY

Jocelyn Anne Skinner

24 September, 1917 – 15 February, 2015

Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services