Irene Skimins

Irene Christina Skimins passed peacefully, surrounded by her family’s love on August 4, 2023. Irene was a strong woman of family and faith always putting others first. She was born on April 30, 1944 in Glasgow, Scotland to her loving parents John and Isa (Sarah Isabella) Wilson (Patterson).

She met her husband James through their local parish (North Kelvinside) and their almost 60 year love story began. Irene and Jim were connected from the beginning grounded in each other’s journey in faith. They lived in the west end of Glasgow (Maryhill) and in Johnstone. In 1982, they immigrated to the United States first settling in Carlisle, PA, then over 20 years in Plymouth, MI, and finally enjoying retirement in Williamsburg, VA.

She was an active member of the charitable organization P.E.O since 1984. In her faith journey she loved working with young people and she became an ordained Deacon within the PC USA.
Irene loved traveling and after immigrating she and Jim led tours back to the United Kingdom where her attention to detail, and strong negotiating tactics helped many others enjoy a beautiful vacation. She and Jim also had many years traveling the globe together, particularly enjoying their time in Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. She enjoyed Scottish country dancing and a wee “shoogle” from time to time. She made the best brown loaf and chips you’d ever taste. As years progressed you were always able to find her on her “big iPad” with a cup of tea by her side. Most of all time with her family was her fondest.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years James (Jim), her daughters Gillian Cross and Lesley Skimins, and her granddaughters Alyssa and Emma Cross.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be donated in Irene’s name to the P.E.O. Star Scholarship https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-star please enter BV/VA under the “chapter to receive credit”.

A Memorial service will be held in Williamsburg, VA at Bucktrout, 4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM, a reception will be held immediately after the service. The service can be live streamed at www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net. In addition, the family will be holding a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, Plymouth MI in September.