Kathleen Skora

Kathleen H. Skora, 85, Greenwood, passed away on Feb. 9, 2023, after a short battle with an unforgiving cancer just one week after the devastating diagnosis.

Kathleen was born in Chicago, Ill. She spent many summers during her youth on a cousin’s farm in Thorp, ultimately moving her own family away from the big scary city to a small farm in Greenwood, after the first handful of kids arrived.

The strong-willed woman had a variety of jobs as a youngster, including the oft-mentioned switchboard operator at RCA. Her family proudly survived the Great Depression and various hardships. As a young Catholic, Kathleen worked at the church and dreamed of becoming a nun, but soon learned it was her destiny to have a big family – producing 12 children, 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a massive doll collection.

Kathleen had an ever-present personality that could not be ignored, including flaming red hair and a temper to go with it (ask her kids); vented her frustrations through letters to the editor; broke the rules by displaying her collection of Christmas villages all year; and regularly cheered in agreement with TV’s Judge Judy. Kathleen enjoyed canning, gardening, cooking, making ceramics, farming, baking fruitcakes, pizza from scratch, garage saling and all things Elvis. She reaped the therapeutic benefits of knitting – maintaining a stockpile of slippers for gift-giving opportunities and created the Sweet Hut 1950s style restaurant – a pleasant reminder of her youth (with help from her army of kids, who had no knowledge of child labor laws at the time).

Never giving up, Kathleen was optimistic she’d recover after her hospitalization, assigning tasks to be completed before her return; also, preparing for a spring garage sale. Sadly, this stubborn fighter was no match for the evils of cancer.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 39 years, Adam; son, Stanley, in childbirth; son, Jim; parents, Arthur and Frances; and two brothers, Arthur Junior and George.

She is survived by her children: Ann (Dave) Schuh, Wis., Patrick (Marcela) Skora, Ariz., Joe (Lourdes) Skora, Minn., Frances Skora, Wis., Jackie Skora, Wis., Arthur Skora, Wis., Susie (Joel) Richards, Minn., William (Kyle Robl) Skora, Wis., Amelia (Ken) La Casse, Minn., David (Brenda) Skora, Minn.; grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and further survived by her sister, Marjorie (Robert) Otto, Ariz.; many nieces and nephews; and loving neighbors.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.

PAID OBITUARY 132314