Obituary of Chrystyna Merva Skovira

Chrystyna Merva Skovira, 90, of Owego passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at Robert Packer Hospital. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Mary Merva; husband, Joseph Francis Skovira; brothers, Michael, William, Raymond, Edward, and Joseph; sisters, Mary, Cecilia, Elizabeth, and Polly; and grandson, 1st Lieutenant Joseph J. Theinert, United States Army. Chrystyna is survived by her children, Chrystyna (Frank) Kestler of Mattituck, New York, Joseph (Cecilia) Skovira of Owego, and John (Rachel) Skovira of Park Ridge, New Jersey; grandchildren, William and James Theinert, Vincent and Elizabeth Skovira, and Gabrielle, John, Isabella, and Rebecca Skovira; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Chrys was born in Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania and graduated from Shickshinny High School in 1941. After studying at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she became a Registered Nurse, completing her training at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. She continued her nursing career at New York Hospital in Manhattan, New York and Nassau Hospital in Mineola, New York. Chrys left Nassau Hospital to concentrate on raising her children in Hempstead, New York. She restarted her nursing career at Hofstra University and Nassau Community College as an on-campus nurse. After retiring from these positions, Chrys moved to Shelter Island, New York. She eventually settled in Owego, New York where she enjoyed shopping, tending to her extensive flower garden, decorating her home for every holiday on the calendar, and cruising in her Cadillac. The family would like to thank the Tioga County Department of Aging and Caregivers of America (including long-time companions, Carmel, Carol, April, and Virginia), for enabling Chrys to continue to enjoy her beloved home. As a final testament to all of your support and hard work, we just celebrated a wonderful Halloween handing out her trademark candy bags; a grand celebration made possible because of your support! For providing joy and happiness through the years, the family would also like to thank George Clooney, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, Bea Wain, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, the staffs of the New York Post and Daily News, George Harter, and Harold Arlen, because, “It’s a Barnum and Bailey world, just as phony as it can be; but it wouldn’t be make-believe if you believed in me!” See you over the rainbow some day Mom and, of course, I’ll heat up your coffee! At her request, a memorial service is being planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to WSKG Public Broadcasting, 601 Gates Road, Vestal, New York, 13850. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.emfaheyFuneralHome.com