Marjorie A. Skinner

Marj was born in Portland on November 30, 1915, the second daughter of Marjorie P. and Philip K. Frye. Her parents established a photography business where she and her sister worked after school. In high school, Marj developed her artistic talent. She put this to use in the photography business – before the advent of color film, she adeptly painted the color on black and white photos. Two young fellows, who had after school jobs at the studio, never left – they married the Frye sisters. Later in life, she worked several years at Bryant Press as a proof reader.

Marj attended Portland High, graduating at the age of 16. She did well in her studies but didn’t care for school, was glad to graduate early, and opted not to go on to college - she was full of energy, curious about everything, and excited to experience life. Marj was a collector, social, musical, religious, social, a bibliophile, a prolific writer, social, a gardener, a bridge player, social, a volunteer, a ballerina, social, political, a puzzle solver, social, a traveler, a pen pal. Oh, did I mention social?

Marj was generous with her time, money, and friendship. She volunteered everywhere including Salvation Army, her community library, and Victoria Mansion; she was active in everything going on at her churches; she gave constantly to countless charities; she enthusiastically participated in every organization she joined, holding office in most of them. She belonged to Altrusa and Zonta and every club in between, perhaps being most active in Woodfords Club. She was always in motion; always doing something. She could squeeze an amazing amount into a day. Having a lead foot was an asset. Even when she did sit, she was active - working on a piece of needle work, prepping vegetables from her extensive garden for canning, or writing a letter to someone.

Marj’s childhood home was near Deering Oaks. She would tell of going there during the winters with her friends, strapping on her skates, falling repeatedly, then storming home in exasperation - only to go back and try it again the next day. She never did learn to skate. Also, she hated housework and avoided it whenever possible. Those two facts blended to make a joyful memory for her. All her life she got a great kick out of the irony that, as a single woman, she was selected to be the star in a national ad campaign for a household cleaner featuring her on skates with the message to housewives if they’d only switch to this product, they, too, would have time to be active outside the home.

For 90+ years, Marj lived life to the fullest, attending to work and responsibilities, participating at every opportunity, making fun and friends along the way. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Joseph J. Skinner, and her beloved sister, Dorothy Constance Kane. She is survived by three nieces, Barbara, Partricia, and Joyce; her nephew Philip Kane, his wife Jane and their son Brian; her nephew Thomas F Kane III, his wife Marianne and their children Thomas IV (Chip) and Amy; several great nieces and nephews; many cousins; and plenty of friends.

Relatives and friends may call at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland on Thursday from 4-7 PM where a funeral will be held on Friday at 11 am. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made in her memory to the Windham Friends Meeting House, 374 Rt. 202, Windham, Me. 04062 or the United Church of Christ at No. Gorham, 4 Standish Neck Rd., Gorham, Me. 04038. Please go to www.jonesrichhutchins for further information and to sign Marj’s guestbook.