Obituary for Paquita (Keta) Theresa Skitch
Paquita Skitch
April 25, 1940 - March 26, 2020
In the early hours of Thursday, March 26th, 2020, at the age of 79 years, our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Paquita Skitch, passed peacefully away. Paquita was born in Georgetown, Guyana on April 25th,1940 and as a young woman she worked at Booker’s Department Store where she met and married Albert Rodrigues. They moved to Calgary in 1963 with their two children, Chris and Sharon. Later, they were blessed with three more children, Lisa, Craig and Rob. In Calgary, Paquita worked at Eaton’s Department Store and Community Drug Mart before beginning her career with AGT, where she worked for many years.
Paquita was the oldest of her siblings, Maggie, Paul, Elizabeth, Tacina, Susan, Peter and Brian. Although their lives took them to different parts of Canada and the United States, they maintained a close bond through many memorable family gatherings over the years. There was delicious food, dancing, singing karaoke, and always much love and laughter.
Paquita was very devoted to her family. She loved preparing Sunday dinners and gathering with her children and grandchildren. Christmas was her favourite time of the year. There was always a beautifully decorated tree in every room and a stocking for every member of her growing family. She loved restoring antique dolls, which she proudly displayed at various doll shows. She loved to sew, creating many Halloween costumes over the years and later, outfits for the dolls in her collection.
Growing up, there was always music playing in our home. Paquita loved the oldies, especially Elvis Presley; and it was her love of Elvis that led her to join the local Elvis Fan club, where she met Brian, who later became her loving husband. Together, Brian and Paquita enjoyed many trips to Memphis and other parts of the United States, visiting family and friends. One of their favorite hobbies was collecting memorabilia, and they would search many markets and garage sales looking for hidden gems. They also enjoyed working together at their gift shop in Airdrie. They were devoted to one another and together embraced the joys of life. Although their life changed when Paquita had to move to long term care, Brian continued to devote himself to ensuring her comfort and well-being, and he was never far from her side.
Paquita’s life always reflected her strong faith in God and she demonstrated an incredible strength of spirit. She lived with dementia for many years, but even through her illness, she still found ways to show her love to her family. We will remember her gentle smile and the way her eyes would light up when her loved ones were near. Paquita inspired us with her quiet courage and her unwavering faith. We loved her dearly, and will miss her smiles, hugs, and unending love. She will be forever in our hearts.
Paquita is survived by her husband Brian; her children: Chris (Vicky), Sharon (Dave), Lisa (Dale), Craig (Kerry), Rob (Christie) and daughter-in-law, Barb; her grandchildren: Ryan (Jacqueline), Jillian (Rori), Grayson, Denae (Dalyn), Brett, Josh, Jordain, Kristian, and Aiden; and nine great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her mother Muriel, her sister Tacina, and her brother Paul.
Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Cedars Villa, Poplar Unit, who cared for Paquita with compassion and grace.
“Go in peace, God be with you.
Go in peace, be at rest, with the saints and the angels.
Now you are free. Go in peace.”
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Paquita please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
April 25, 1940 - March 26, 2020
In the early hours of Thursday, March 26th, 2020, at the age of 79 years, our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Paquita Skitch, passed peacefully away. Paquita was born in Georgetown, Guyana on April 25th,1940 and as a young woman she worked at Booker’s Department Store where she met and married Albert Rodrigues. They moved to Calgary in 1963 with their two children, Chris and Sharon. Later, they were blessed with three more children, Lisa, Craig and Rob. In Calgary, Paquita worked at Eaton’s Department Store and Community Drug Mart before beginning her career with AGT, where she worked for many years.
Paquita was the oldest of her siblings, Maggie, Paul, Elizabeth, Tacina, Susan, Peter and Brian. Although their lives took them to different parts of Canada and the United States, they maintained a close bond through many memorable family gatherings over the years. There was delicious food, dancing, singing karaoke, and always much love and laughter.
Paquita was very devoted to her family. She loved preparing Sunday dinners and gathering with her children and grandchildren. Christmas was her favourite time of the year. There was always a beautifully decorated tree in every room and a stocking for every member of her growing family. She loved restoring antique dolls, which she proudly displayed at various doll shows. She loved to sew, creating many Halloween costumes over the years and later, outfits for the dolls in her collection.
Growing up, there was always music playing in our home. Paquita loved the oldies, especially Elvis Presley; and it was her love of Elvis that led her to join the local Elvis Fan club, where she met Brian, who later became her loving husband. Together, Brian and Paquita enjoyed many trips to Memphis and other parts of the United States, visiting family and friends. One of their favorite hobbies was collecting memorabilia, and they would search many markets and garage sales looking for hidden gems. They also enjoyed working together at their gift shop in Airdrie. They were devoted to one another and together embraced the joys of life. Although their life changed when Paquita had to move to long term care, Brian continued to devote himself to ensuring her comfort and well-being, and he was never far from her side.
Paquita’s life always reflected her strong faith in God and she demonstrated an incredible strength of spirit. She lived with dementia for many years, but even through her illness, she still found ways to show her love to her family. We will remember her gentle smile and the way her eyes would light up when her loved ones were near. Paquita inspired us with her quiet courage and her unwavering faith. We loved her dearly, and will miss her smiles, hugs, and unending love. She will be forever in our hearts.
Paquita is survived by her husband Brian; her children: Chris (Vicky), Sharon (Dave), Lisa (Dale), Craig (Kerry), Rob (Christie) and daughter-in-law, Barb; her grandchildren: Ryan (Jacqueline), Jillian (Rori), Grayson, Denae (Dalyn), Brett, Josh, Jordain, Kristian, and Aiden; and nine great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her mother Muriel, her sister Tacina, and her brother Paul.
Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Cedars Villa, Poplar Unit, who cared for Paquita with compassion and grace.
“Go in peace, God be with you.
Go in peace, be at rest, with the saints and the angels.
Now you are free. Go in peace.”
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Paquita please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.