Frances Skinner, born Frances Mikolajczyk, passed away at the age of 96 on April 24, 2018. The daughter of immigrant Polish parents, Frances was born and raised in Minneapolis. She grew up with three sisters and two brothers who all predeceased her. She was born with a bright, curious mind, and an adventurous spirit. Frances joined the WAVES during World War II and was stationed in Great Lakes, Ill. It was there that she met a dashing young sailor, a combat veteran of the Pacific Fleet, who stole her heart. Richard (Dick) Henry Skinner and Frances Mikolajczyk were married on Feb. 17, 1945. After the war, they settled in the Puget Sound area, where Dick had been raised. Frances had a long and interesting career in the aerospace industry working as an administrative assistant to top executives at Pan American Airways and the Boeing Company. During her career, she met many influential people such as Charles Lindberg, Wernher von Braun, and several astronauts.

After Dick’s passing in 1971, Frances continued her career at the Boeing Company. She developed a large network of friends through golf, bowling and traveling. Her many travels included trips to Poland to visit family and to Russia on two different occasions. She visited Hawaii several times and happily fulfilled her dream of visiting South America. After retiring from the Boeing Company, Frances moved from Seattle to Admirals Cove, near Coupeville. She loved the beach, and well into her later years, often with a sandwich and coffee in hand, took extended walks along the shoreline. She had a great love for gardening and was a member of both the Coupeville and Greenbank garden clubs. For many years she volunteered at the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and the Island County Historical Museum.

Frances was very blessed to have a large and loving family. She is survived by the following: her son Richard Thomas Skinner, daughters Margaret (David) Harrington and Rita (Thomas) Baeyen. Also grandchildren Elizabeth Doyle, Anthony (Linda) Baeyen, Angeline Johnston, Nicole Glenn, Justin Baeyen, Alex Skinner and Sasha (Sean) Skinner-Nord. Frances also has eight beloved great-grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter. She had a very special relationship with her amazing and devoted nephews Dick Mikolajczyk, Ed Mikolajczyk and niece Linda Lasagna and their families. A private graveside service will take place at Willamette National Cemetery. Tributes can be made at https://www.asacredmoment.com/obituaries/.