Corrine "Corky" Marie Skvarna

Corrine Marie Skvarna (née Lobdell), affectionately known to those who loved her as “Corky,” passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on March 23, 1939, in Albany, New York, to the late Ralph and Kay Lobdell, Corky brought a spirit of warmth, humor, and steady devotion to everyone around her.

Her journey took her from Albany, New York to Richmond, California and then to Chino, California, where she graduated from Chino High School. While attending Chaffey College, she played tennis and met the love of her life, Paul Skvarna. Corky went on to earn her degree at San Jose State University, where she was a proud member of the Black Masque honor society, forming bonds that blossomed into lifelong friendships. Returning to Upland to complete her student teaching, she began her fulfilling career as a teacher in Upland in the G.A.T.E. program.

On February 11, 1961, Corky and Paul were united in marriage. Together, they established their home in Upland, raising their 3 sons and sharing a beautiful and enduring 65-year marriage centered on faith, family, and mutual support. A devout, lifelong Catholic, Corky was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s Church.

An inaugural member of the Claremont Tennis Club, Corky loved playing and watching tennis, baking banana bread, making her famous cheese balls, and remembering every special occasion with the perfect hand-sent card. She thrived on being part of the action—serving for years as a Den Mother and Team Mom while rarely missing a school function, a walk and coffee with friends, a holiday, or a milestone celebration. Corky was an avid newspaper reader who delighted in mailing clipped articles to anyone whose loved one made the news. Above all else, Corky was her family’s ultimate champion, never missing a match, game, meet, or heat across decades of tennis, baseball, soccer, football, track, swimming, gymnastics, and surfing. She often reminded them, “I am your biggest fan.”

Corky is survived by her devoted husband, Paul; her sons Eric (Karen), Victor (Bridget), and Nicholas; her grandchildren Kelly Cornwell (Zac), Katie Pettit (Tyler), Jack Skvarna (Celicia), Nicole Goss (Ben), Jennifer Mollo (Angelo), Joe Skvarna, Kevin Skvarna, Jacob Skvarna and Mike Skvarna; and her great-grandchildren Madison Pettit, Ford Cornwell, Sabella Corrine Skvarna and Rafael Mollo. She was preceded in death by her parents and her parents-in-law, Paul and Ann Skvarna.

Her gentle heart and enduring legacy of love will forever remain with those who knew her.

A Viewing/Rosary Service will be held at Draper Mortuary, 811 N Mountain Ave., Ontario, CA 91762, on August 30, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass Service will be held on August 31, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 2110 N San Antonio Ave., Upland, CA 91784, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Lunch Reception on August 31, 2026, to follow at St. Anthony Catholic Church from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.