Josephine Prentice

Josephine Prentice, (nee Skarbon), passed away November 11, 2021. Jo was born July 2, 1925 on the Skarbon homestead, second youngest child of Nellie and Joseph. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Wilf (May 18, 2003), all her siblings: Pauline (Nick) Schreiner, Louis (Ann), Kay (Peter) Kampf, Vicki (Ted) Gorda, Ed, Emily (John) Bokitch, Anne (Con) Mehain, Rudy, and Art (Margaret), Jo will be ever cherished by her numerous nieces and nephews.

Jo attended Milton School for grades 1 to 8 and then went to high school in Limerick. After attaining her teacher’s certificate, Jo began teaching at Kea School south of Assiniboia. It was then that she met her future husband Wilfred Prentice. It was love at first sight and the two were married on a stormy day on January 29, 1948.

Jo and Wilfred travelled extensively. Fiji, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Egypt, India, Mexico and Japan were explored and enjoyed. Aunt Jo always said that: “One of the best days on a vacation is the day you get home.”

Jo loved music she and Wilfred made frequent trips to Regina for concerts. Jo took organ lessons and became quite proficient. She sang for many years in the St. George’s Choir and counted her fellow singers among her closest friends. She was very interested in art, especially portraiture and nature landscapes. She was an accomplished seamstress, loved ”paper tole” and took pride in her yard, flowers and garden.

Jo was a gifted cook and elegant hostess and everyone in her family remembers the sumptuous holiday dinners where she and Wilfred made everyone feel so special. Visitors were always welcome to tour Wilfred’s vintage car collection and hunting trophies and, over the years, hundreds of people came to see them. She was never afraid to jump in the tandem grain truck to help with the farm work. She enjoyed their leisurely Sunday drives around the country together and continued the tradition with her sister Anne and friends until she was unable.

After Wilfred’s passing in 2003, Jo moved into a condominium in Assiniboia. Jo eventually moved to the Prairie Villa, and then, to the Long Term Care at Assiniboia Union Hospital where she was cared for with kindness and expertise until her passing.

Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm in St. George’s Roman Catholic Church, Assiniboia, SK. Donations in Memory of Jo may be made to the South Country Health Care Foundation for the Assiniboia Union Hospital, Box 1750, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Prentice / Skarbon family. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK