Julia Verbos Skender, 92, of Susquehanna Township, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill. Surrounded by love, she walked into Love. Julia was adored, worshiped and cherished by her family. She was deeply devoted to her faith and set examples of goodness, humility, selflessness and strength throughout her life. In a village of grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles, neighbors and friends, teachers and coaches, Julia was the guiding light and inspirational source in raising her children.
Julia was the daughter of John and Anna (Marinak) Verbos, born on Thursday, April 15, 1926 in Steelton. Her husband, Charles Joseph Skender, preceded her in death on Thursday, December 16, 1965. Julia was also preceded in death by her sisters: Anne Brinjac, Dorothy Verbos and Lucy Christoffersen as well as her brother: Dr. Franklin Verbos. Surviving are her three children: C. J. (Mary Anne) of Raleigh, NC, Philip (Michelle) of Avon, CT and Pittsburgh, PA, and Martha of Houston, TX. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Charles (Kristy), Tim (Anna) and Corey (Bryan), along with five great-grandchildren: Riley, Rex, Coen, Emaline and Luke.
Julia graduated in the Class of 1944 from Harrisburg Catholic High School and retired after many years of service from USF&G Insurance Company as a Life Insurance Underwriter in 1991. She was formerly a member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Steelton, where she was baptized, received the Holy Eucharist, was confirmed and was married. Julia had been a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Harrisburg since 1954, where she volunteered with the Bereavement Committee and was a member of the Legion of Mary. Julia was a loyal worshiper at the parish’s Perpetual Adoration Chapel for many years. She was an exceptional baker of Christmas cookies and nut roll, a passionate fan of both Notre Dame football and Villanova basketball and the very best mother IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. Julia taught her children the value of education and compassion. She loved the music of Frank Sinatra and singing at weddings. In her last years, Julia was a very happy resident of Kindred Place at Harrisburg where she had many friends and enjoyed playing Bingo. She loved all (“kids from 1 to 92”), especially young children. She thoroughly enjoyed laughter.
Julia’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, December 27, 2018 with Mass of Christian Burial led by Father Chester Snyder at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, 2800 Paxton Church Road in Harrisburg. Viewing and visitation will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry Street in Harrisburg, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church before Mass. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery immediately after Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Julia’s memory to the United Church of Christ Homes to benefit Kindred Place Harrisburg (30 North 31st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011) or to Geisinger Holy Spirit’s Pastoral Care Fund (Geisinger Health Foundation, 100 N. Academy Avenue, MC 25-76, Danville, PA 17822).
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