Norma J. (McGuire) Skellie

Jackson - Norma Skellie, 92, left this world Sunday, April 21, 2024, on her own terms with her children by her side. She was able to enjoy the last two years of her life at home with the help of Jean and Jill. Born August 20, 1931, at Mary McClellan Hospital in Cambridge, NY to the (late) David McGuire and Janet McMorris.

Norma graduated from Salem Washington Academy and Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio with a degree in physical education. She joined the Air Force, graduating from Officers Candidate School and was commissioned as a lieutenant during the Korean War. Following the Air Force Norma was the director for the Girl Scouts of Greater St. Louis, Missouri.

            In 1960 she married Warren Skellie and began their partnership in Hi-Brow Dairy Farms in Jackson, NY.  Their registered Holstein cattle were sought by farmers and breeders both far and wide for their pedigree. Many a tour bus stopped at the farm with both farmers and non-farmers alike. Some came from as far away as Japan. They came to seek cattle or enjoy the bucolic view of the farm on the brow of the hill. All were always welcomed around the farm table.

            Norma was best known for her 21 years as a milk test supervisor for the Northeast Dairy Herd Improvement Association and briefly taught physical education at Cambridge Central School. She was a past director for the Tri-County Holstein Club and a 50-year member of the New York Farm Bureau.

            History and agriculture were her passions.  As a member of the Washington County Fair Board, Norma helped make the Farm Museum the gem it is today.  She was the Town of Jackson Historian for 40 years and a regent for the General John Williams chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Faith was a big part of her life, and she was an elder of both the East Greenwich United Presbyterian church and the First United Presbyterian Church of Salem.

            Besides her parents, Norma is predeceased by her husband, Warren, and her sister, Marian Thomas.  Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Richard McGuire of Jackson and children, Jay (Kim) Skellie of Jackson, Jill (Tim) Robinson of Salem and Jean Skellie of Jackson.  Five grandchildren, Jase (Megan) Skellie, Tyler (Jessica) Skellie, Cassandra (Cameron) Ross, Warren Robinson, and William (Aliesha) Robinson.  Seven great grandchildren, Carter and Camden Ross, Ava and Bree Skellie, Owen, Eila, and Eddie Robinson and twin grandsons due on her birthday. Many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are Friday, April 26th from 5-7 pm at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, 19 East Broadway, Salem, NY.  A funeral service will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church of Salem (Old White Church), 13 West Broadway, Salem, NY on Saturday April 27th at 11:00. (Services will be streamed on the church Facebook page.) A burial with military honors will follow at Woodlands Cemetery, 76 North Union Street, Cambridge, NY. The family would like to thank Robin Daly for her care and Tracy and Karen from Community Hospice for all their support. Donations may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church of Salem PO Box 606 Salem, NY 12865 and Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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