Shirley A Skinner

East Longmeadow – Shirley A. (Tough) Skinner, 85, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2021. Shirley was born on August 17, 1936 in Enfield CT to the late Anna (Mals) and Gerald E. Tough. She attended schools in Enfield CT and graduated from Enfield High School.
On a blind date, she met the love of her life Robert J. Skinner, and they married on April 4, 1959. They were blessed with two daughters Donna and Susan.
She resided in Enfield for many years, and moved to East Longmeadow MA in 1980. Shirley worked both in the home and outside the home. She worked at H.P. Hoods Ice Cream Divisions as a machine tender, Parkway Pavilion and Enfield Nursing Homes as a nurse’s aide. She also drove the van for Enfield’s Dial-a-Ride.
After she retired, Shirley was always busy. Her motto was “Why put off tomorrow what you can do today?” She loved working outside around the yard. She even built a rock wall in the back of her property in East Longmeadow. She was so proud of it.
The love of her life Robert passed away in August 2005, and Shirley continued to enjoy her retirement, spending time with family. In 2017 she moved to JGS Nursing Home where she met many new friends.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, her husband Robert, her brothers Donald and Gerald P. Tough and her sister Patricia Tough. She will also join many beloved pets at the Rainbow Bridge.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters Donna and Susan Skinner of Indian Orchard MA, her uncle Andrew Mals of Old Saybrook CT and many cousins and close friends. She also leaves a beloved pet Pongo.
Services are entrusted to Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation and will be held privately by the family.
Memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to Rainbow Rescues, P.O. Box 1179, Easthampton MA 01027 or Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter 309 Waverly Oaks Road Waltham, MA. To leave an online condolence, visit www.forastiere.com.