With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Skahan, Pellegrino, Ouellette, Therrien, and Houle families announce the passing of our kind, brave, caring and unimaginably generous mother, grandmother, and sister, Ann M. Skahan, 79, on Thursday, June 20, 2024 after a short illness.
Ann grew up in Keene, NH, the daughter of Roland and Alice Ouellette. She graduated from Our Lady of Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH and then went onto Burdett Business School in Boston, MA, where she graduated with a degree in accounting. Ann worked locally in Keene at the IGA, but eventually began a daycare out of her house, which she did for a number of years. Ann then worked as a bookkeeper for Surell Accessories, Inc in Troy, and Aaron Pallet in Fitzwilliam and Fitchburg, MA, from which she retired a few years ago. She was member of the former Swanzey Lion’s Club and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She also was very active in her church, serving as a Eucharistic minister for many years, and was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America for over 50 years.
Ann married Robert (Bob) Skahan (d. 2022) in 1966 and they settled in North Swanzey, where they lived until their passing. Together they had four children, eleven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Affectionately known as “Grammy” by her grandkids, Ann found an incredible amount of joy in her eleven grandchildren: Andrew (Abby) of Keene, NH; Devin, William and Carrie of Spofford, NH; Michael and Sean of Ripon, England; Megan, Ryan, and Robert III of Georgetown, MA; and Frank and Joey Pellegrino of North Reading, MA. She also had two beautiful great grandchildren, Levi and Lucy.
In addition to her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, Ann is survived by her four children: Shawn (Kristin) Skahan of Spofford, NH; Patrick (Anna Rita) Skahan of Ripon, England; Robert Jr. (Susan) Skahan of Georgetown, MA; and Kathryn (Frank) Pellegrino of North Reading, MA. She also leaves behind her siblings Jane (Ouellette) Houle of Keene, NH; Susan (David) Therrien of Gray, ME; and Richard (Dick) Ouellette of Keene, NH; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Grammy was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She loved traveling (especially with her sister), reading, knitting, creating unique costumes for her kids and grandkids. She was unfailing in her dedication to her family and friends in all of their life events, from major moments to minor ones like sporting and school events. She was strong-willed and stubborn, but always believed in and encouraged those around her to be the best they could be. She touched many lives and those who had the honor to have known her will be forever grateful.
Calling hours will be at Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 10:00 am, at St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ann’s name to St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o Parish of the Holy Spirit, 173 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1