Sylvia Skuletich 88

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Sylvia Skuletich, our loving mother, family matriarch and beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and sister-in-law, aunt and beloved friend to many. She passed away peacefully at St. James Healthcare on February 8, 2016 at the age of eighty-eight.

Sylvia was born on October 26, 1927, in Butte, Montana, to Evo and Gospava Stanisich. She graduated from Grant Grade School and Butte High School where she was remembered for her athletic abilities. In 1946, at the age of 18, she married Lewis Skuletich, the son of Joko and Anna Skuletich in the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church.

She was employed by Pancic Drug Store, Main Drug Store and F.W. Woolworth before attending and graduating from the Butte Academy of Beauty Culture and becoming a hairstylist. She later became manager of the beauty salon at Hennessey's Department Store. After the closure of Hennessey's, she continued as a hairstylist for the next six years at Angie's Beauty Salon. Sylvia retired in 1985.

Our mother was a wonderful and generous woman. Her loving heart touched many lives with her presence. She enjoyed life to the fullest and always wanted her family members close to celebrate all of our holidays together. She was loved for her cooking of Serbian and American dishes. Sylvia developed many friendships throughout her involvement in clubs, groups, volunteer work and community activities. Our mother was simply a very caring and thoughtful friend to everyone she knew.

Sylvia enjoyed bowling, volleyball, camping on the Big Hole River and volunteering at the Crest Nursing Home and Copper Ridge. She loved the arts from the Mother Lode Theatre to the San Francisco Opera House. Our mother traveled with our father for 25 years spending winters in the Southwest and making Yuma, AZ their winter home.

Sylvia was a devout member of the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church and a member of the church choir for 70 years. She was a member of the Circle of Serbian Sisters, Serbian Mother's Club and was secretary of the Bokelian Fraternal Lodge #69 Serbian National Federation. Sylvia also remained active with the Hennessey's Women's Retirees Luncheon, Hooker's Crocheting Club as well as her weekly luncheon groups.
Always my Mother, Forever my Friend--

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Lewis, her parents Evo and Gospava Stanisich, brother Bronko Stanisich and brother and sister-in-law Joe and Marg Stanisich, sisters Josephine Stanovich and Marie Stanisich; Also, sisters and brothers-in-law Mary and George Foley, Peggy and George Skuletich and nephew Dan Skuletich.
She is survived by: daughter Jackie McGregor and her husband Pat; sons Gary and Richie. Her grandchildren include Lisa Manley and husband Scott, Shawn Ryan, and Linsey Harrod and husband Jesse; great – grandchildren: Logan Manley, Dillon Manley, and Ryden and Jesslyn Harrod. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews: Voga Buhl and Bill Stanisich, George and MaryAnne Skuletich, Johnny and Glenda Skuletich , Carol Skuletich, Mike, Pat, Kathy Foley, Annie and Jim Else, and all of their children.
A celebration of our mom's life will be held at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. this Tuesday evening, February 16, followed by an evening prayer service at 6 p.m.
The funeral will take place at the church at 11 a m., Wednesday, February 17.
Memorials are suggested to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.