Kristian Ann Skura

Kristian "Kris" Ann Skura, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on June 1, 2026, at the age of 65. Born on July 19, 1960, in Steubenville, Ohio, Kris lived a life defined by her unwavering devotion to her family, her deep and abiding faith, and the warmth she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Kris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Douglas Skura, who passed away in 2022; her mother, Saundra Slocum, who passed away in 2019; and her father, William "Bill" Slocum, who passed away in 2021.

She is survived by her three sons: Brian Skura and his wife Alexandra, of Columbus, Ohio; Matthew "Matt" Skura and his wife Emma, of Baltimore, Maryland; and Christopher "Chris" Skura, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kris cherished her role as grandmother and is also survived by five grandchildren — Luca Skura, through Brian and Alexandra; and Emerson, Henry, George, and Margot Skura, through Matt and Emma.

Kris is further survived by her sister Karen King, of Columbus, Ohio, and her youngest sister Kelli Van Lynn, also of Columbus, Ohio.

Kris was raised in Toronto, Ohio — a city whose name would later become part of a cherished and often-told story between her and Doug. She was shaped by two extraordinarily hard working parents who instilled in her the values of strength, determination, and resilience. Kris carried those lessons throughout her entire life, and she was never one to back down from a challenge — even a casual game of checkers had a way of bringing out her competitive spirit and her knack for finding a way to win.

Her Catholic faith was the quiet foundation beneath everything she did. Kris was a devout follower who turned to prayer often — in times of difficulty, in moments of gratitude, and even to pray to St. Anthony of the lost and found to help her boys find that missing toy.

During her high school years, Kris pursued her athletic passions with characteristic drive, competing as a cheerleader and in track and field, softball, and basketball. She was equally decorated in the classroom, graduating from Toronto High School in 1978 with the same tenacity she brought to every court and field. She went on to earn a basketball scholarship to Alderson Broaddus University, and later transferred to Kent State University, where her love of learning and her deep desire to care for others led her to nursing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1984 — and that transfer, as it turned out, would prove to be the greatest decision of her life.

It was at Kent State that Kris's path crossed with Douglas Skura's, when she met him at a Halloween party while he was completing his orthopedic surgery residency at a local hospital. By all accounts, it was love at first sight. Kris followed Doug to Alberta, Canada, where she worked as a nurse while he finished his residency, and the two later returned together to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — closer to family — where Doug completed his orthopedic surgery fellowship. From that Halloween party forward, they were inseparable.

Kris eventually set aside her nursing career — though never her nurse's instinct — to answer what she would say was her truest calling: raising her three boys. Her days were filled with negotiating toy disputes, mending scrapes and bruises, refereeing endless living-room chaos, and pouring herself completely into the lives of Brian, Matt, and Chris. She embodied every role a mother must be — caretaker and homemaker, nurse and educator, friend and nurturer — and she did so with patience, grace, and a love that never wavered. She pushed her boys to follow their passions just as she had followed hers, and to always strive to become the best versions of themselves.

Family was everything to Kris, and that love extended well beyond her own household. She delighted in spending time with her nieces and nephews, showing up for them with the same warmth and enthusiasm she brought to every corner of her family's life.

When her grandchildren arrived, Kris discovered a new dimension of joy. Luca, Emerson, Henry, George, and Margot knew a grandmother whose love was boundless — one who showed up fully, gave generously, and left each of them with memories they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Kris will be forever missed. She leaves behind not only the family she adored, but the unmistakable imprint of a life lived with heart — every lesson given, every hug shared, and every prayer she offered up quietly on behalf of those she loved. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is once again with her soulmate Doug, and with her mom and dad, reunited at last in the presence of the God she faithfully served.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

- John 14:27

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause that is close to the hearts of the Skura family: https://give.gofundme.com/TheSkuraMemorialFund

The family will be having a private funeral ceremony. They will be holding a celebration of life with close family and friends at a later date.