Marie Skov passed away Saturday May 21st, 2011, at the Watsonville Community Hospital after a lengthy illness. A resident of Watsonville for the past 66 years, Marie was born in Hollister on July 23, 1926 to Guglielmo and Mary Demichelis. She was raised in Gilroy on the family ranch and attended Gilroy High School.
Marie was known to many as the “Fair Lady” because of the 51 years of volunteer work she did for the Santa Cruz County Fair. Marie often said that the two loves of her life were her family and the Fair. Whenever the Fair needed help, Marie was there to offer her assistance. She was Chairman of the Home Arts Division for many years, retiring from the position in 2010. She received the Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence in 2003 from the Western Fairs Association for her outstanding service to the Santa Cruz County Fair.
Marie served as community Club Leader for the Freedom 4-H Club for many years as well as serving on the board of the Santa Cruz County 4-H Council. Marie was a past President of the Freedom School PTA, a member of the Pajaro Valley Grange, Santa Cruz County Fair Heritage Foundation and the Holy Eucharist Church.
Marie is survived by her children, Kathie Rossi of Madera and Charles Skov Jr. of Watsonville; two grandchildren, Kristina Minoza (Gervasio) of Gilroy and Michael Rossi (Jennifer) of Lemoore; three great-grandchildren, Mikaela Minoza, Brandon and Benjamin Rossi. She is survived by her sisters Virginia Pura (Eldon), Katherine Intravia, Annabelle Conconi and William Demichelis (Nancy) as well as many nieces, nephews and family friends who were so dear to her. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles Skov Sr. and son in law Russell Rossi.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Villaruz, Dr. Ravago, Dr. Bhullar, the caring staff of Watsonville Community Hospital and the Staff at Country Villa and Pacific Coast Manor for their wonderful and compassionate care of Marie during the past 8 months.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in memory of Marie Skov to: Ag History Project / Heritage Foundation Santa Cruz County Fair, P. O. Box 1181 Watsonville, CA, 95077. Also donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will take place on June 4th, 2011, at Holy Eucharist Church in Corralitos at 12:30 P.M., Davis Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
