Obituary of Amelia Theresa Skalaa

Amelia Theresa (Boutilier) Skalaa Glace Bay, N.S. Amelia Theresa (Boutilier) Skalaa passed away peacefully on June 21st, surrounded by her loving family as the summer solstice ushered in a new season. She was 77 years old. Mimi lived most of her life in Marconi Towers, but Neil’s Harbour always held a special place in her heart. Ma was happiest laughing and enjoying her children, grandchildren and countless others who called her ‘Ma’ or ‘Nan.’ The pot on the stove was never empty, always luring the family to her kitchen which was a gathering place for many. She had a wide circle of friends who loved her dearly. Christmas was her favourite, and she took great care to make the holiday season special for her children, with the house decked out in festive decor. Christmas Eve would see the table laden down with baked goods and candies placed on her fanciest china. Much like her husband Rudy, Mimi found great joy and peace in nature’s beauty. She happily anticipated the arrival of the spring peepers, signifying that her gardens would once again come alive in all their splendour. She took pride in her bird watching hobby and shared her yard with many enthusiasts who came from far and wide to see the rare species she had acquired over the years. Mimi was an excellent dart player and there was an attic full of tournament trophies to prove it. She loved to play as much as she loved to socialize with her friends at the Hall, where she was a member of the Tower Road Fire Hall Ladies Auxiliary for over 35 years. She loved to read novels of various genres and could often be found in her room engrossed in a book with the Jukebox Oldies station on in the background. Unless, of course, she was perusing Amazon Prime for her next random purchase or watching a David Attenborough nature documentary. The past few years saw Mimi rely on her quiet strength, enduring the loss of her siblings and most recently her husband Rudy in October. It brings the family great comfort to know they are reunited. Mimi is survived by her children Yvonne, Nicole (Kevin), Colette (Randy), Rudy (Odelia), Monique, Matthew (Blair) and daughter Sara. Also left to mourn her loss are grandchildren Logan, Tamika, Abigail, Miranda, Madeline, Brooklyn, Rudy, and Hayden; sisters in law, Patsy Boutilier, Caroline, Rose, and Betty (Art). She is also survived by her brothers in law Paul and Emile (Patsy), cousin Lorna and special friends Lillian, Betty Lou and Nora. She was predeceased by her husband Rudy of 58 years, sisters Leona and Judy, brother Normie and parents Norman and Olive Boutilier. A Celebration of Life will be held in Birch Grove Firehall Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 5-7 P.M. A special thank you to the New Waterford Homecare workers and the staff on the third floor at Glace Bay Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place under the care and compassion of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Glace Bay, N.S. 902-849-4199. Words of comfort may be expressed to Amelia’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.