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Obituary of Dorothy Naomi Skillman
January 31, 1925 - March 29, 2025
Dorothy Naomi Skillman. Age 100 of Southgate.
Loving wife of the late Robert Paul Skillman. Extraordinary mother of 12 children:
Dave (Brenda), Jack (Debbie), Judy (Ron) Price, Larry (Cindy), Joanne (Ray)Hall, Mary Jo, Pat (Frank) Napolitano, the late Fred (Michelle), Virginia (Dan) Hansvick, Mike, Karen (Steve) Ward, Barb (Kirk) Lawitzke.
Also survived by 18 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.
Dorothy was born on January 31, 1925, to Helena and Howard Barbary. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings Patricia and Howard, Jr.
In her youth she was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America founded in Butler, PA in 1936. The all-girl junior marching and maneuvering parade-based corps performed at college football games. She attended Butler High School in Butler, PA and played on the school basketball team until she graduated in 1942. She served in the United States Marine Corp during WWII. After her service ended, she returned home and worked at B & O Railroad.
In 1947, Dorothy was at a poker party with friends and met Robert. After dating less than two months they moved to Ecorse, MI. They wed on February 17, 1948. The two of them spent the next 17 years raising 12 children. Being caring and supportive of her husband and children was important to her. She loved her family and did an amazing job taking care of them.
Dorothy (Mum) was a devoted and loving mother. She embraced her faith and raised her family in the Catholic Church. She was a member of the Rosary Alter Confraternity at St. Pius Church where she attended weekly mass, volunteered, and taught Religious Education classes.
Dorothy enjoyed cooking for her family, sewing, quilting, reading books, long walks, and volunteering at church and school.
To the end Dorothy (Granny) was so thankful to remain living in the house, where she raised her family, for 75 years. She was an avid reader, committed to exercise and eating a healthy diet, and watched Sunday Mass on TV when she was no longer able to walk to church. She looked forward to visits and phone calls from her family. Her family was dear to her.
So many memories to cherish. What an amazing person, Mum, Granny, GG and friend.
Private services will be held for the immediate family only. Catholic services will take place at a later date.
Please consider in lieu of flowers……
Donations to Capuchin Soup Kitchen (in Memory of Dorothy Skillman), 1820 Mount Elliott St., Detroit, MI 48207.
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Our History
John Molnar, Sr. opened the Detroit Hungarian Funeral Home, now the Molnar Funeral Homes, in 1923. The funeral home began in his home until relocating across the street to it's Delray location at 8623 Dearborn Avenue, in 1936. He had a strong work ethic and believed that you should never stop learning...
