Obituary of Roberta Mary Skanes

It is with great sadness the family of Roberta Mary Skanes announce her passing at the age of 75 in Calgary, Alberta on October 11, 2024. Roberta, fondly known to all as “Bobby”, passed away peacefully with her beloved daughters by her side.  A wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and an incredible life force that shared light and joy everywhere she went, Bobby lived a life without regret, embracing every moment.  Vivió sin remordimientos.

Roberta “Bobby” Skanes was welcomed into this world on May 18, 1949 to a large and loving family in Humbermouth, Newfoundland. From that moment, family defined her. She was “1 of 15” children with seven brothers and seven sisters. Her father, a railway engineer, and her mother, a remarkable woman who provided an inviting home full of love, laughter and responsibility.

Being one of 7 sisters was an especially beautiful gift. They were friends, confidents, and comrades. It was often said amongst the sisters “ when one of us hurts” we all hurt”. They loved and protected each other fiercely.  Everyone became “family”, her kindness and quiet generosity unmatched, and her warm and sincere embrace is something everyone remembers.

Following High School at Presentation High School, she graduated from St Clares Mercy Hospital in 1970, becoming a Registered Nurse. Her choice of profession was a natural fit to her caring and loving personality. 

She shared everyday with the love of her life, Eric ‘Brian’ Skanes, whom she married in 1971.  She and Brian would go on to build the beautiful and loving family of which she was so proud.  As dedicated life partners they were a strong team, fostered by the fact that they were best friends who loved Newfoundland and exploring the world.

She was also a proud member of the Qalipu First Nation, embracing her culture and roots in everyday life.  Her warm smile lit up the room, and her zest for life warmed the hearts of everyone she met.  Bobby’s love of travel took her all over the world in adventures with her family. She made friends everywhere she went, from the Middle East to Australia, Costa Rica to Europe, Colombia and many roads in between. But it was the time with family and friends that meant the most to her, not the destination.

Roberta is survived by her loving daughters, Michelle and Tonya (Sergio) and her beloved grandchildren Sofia and Lucas. She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories 7 sisters: Margaret Kelly, Veronica (Douglas) Livingstone, Jocelyn (Glenn) Candow, Mary Dillman, Colleen Burke, Marie (Allan) Pitcher and Maxine (John) Manuel; 2 brothers: Thomas Dicks and Brendan (Anne) Dicks; brother in-law Allan (Dianne) Skanes and sisters-in-law: Marina Dicks, Shirley Dicks, Peggy Dicks, Brenda Bray, Beverley (David McClennon) Skanes and Elizabeth (Kent Jingfors) Skanes.  As well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

She is preceded in death by her loving partner in life, husband, Eric Brian Skanes; parents John Samuel Dicks and Mary Cecilia Dicks; brothers Bartholomew Joseph Dicks, John Augustin Dicks, Gerard Samuel Dicks, Michael Dicks and Francis Joseph Dicks; sisters Margaret Mary Dicks and Carla Marie Dicks; brother-in-law Kevin Burke, Patrick Kelly and Gary Bray; sister-in-law Sheila Dicks, mother in-law, Jean Skanes, and father in-law Eric Reginald Skanes.

Memorial donations may be made on line to the  Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Tom Baker Cancer Center, Western Health and their staff for their wonderful care and support for Roberta, alongside deepfelt gratitude to the many others who supported her.  Your kindness, generosity and caring will always be remembered.

Funeral service will be held at All Hallows Church on Tuesday November 5^th at 11:00am with Bishop Bart officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Patricia Cemetery at 42 N Shore Highway. Visitation will be held on Monday November 4^th  between 2:00- 4:00pm and 7:00-9:00 pm. Fillatre’s Funeral Home at 4 St. Marks Avenue will be handling the funeral arrangements. The funeral will be live streamed to reach the many people Bobby met and loved around the world. 

Wela’lin for sharing in Roberta’s life journey.