Madeline Skinner

Madeline J Skinner, 86, a former resident of Stowe, VT died on April 11, 2012 with both of her children by her side.
She was born May 5, 1925, in East Charleston, Vt., one of five daughters of Carl and Carrie Gray. Madeline was part of a large and close family and was one of the infamous "Gray girls." Her early years were spent on her parent's dairy farm in East Charleston, VT, and later on their farm in Holland, VT. From an early age, she had a great love of horses. At the age of 12, she herded the cows from Charleston to Holland while riding bareback on her beloved Morgan. This was a day's ride at the time (1937).
She married Franklin E. Skinner on July 5th, 1941. The couple raised their two children, Robert and Randa in Stowe, Vermont, where they owned and operated a ski lodge called the Brick and Ell. Madeline was an incredible cook, and she kept the guests coming back year after year, delighting them with her delicious raspberry pies and gracious hospitality. She was incredibly creative in many aspects, she loved to draw, paint, sew, and knit, and her eye for design was evident in every home they kept. She and Franklin also shared a love for antique furniture. They lived in Vermont for many years, and later several years on the Maine coast. She loved to take long walks on the beach collecting sand dollars and shells. She and Franklin often hosted their six grandchildren, Kyle, Sarah, Gray, Micah, Whitney, and Paige in Maine.
Madeline was high energy, opinionated, and feisty. She and Franklin were married just shy of seventy years, and Franklin often referred to her affectionately as "the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen" and sometimes as his "sweet little bundle of barbed wire." Franklin passed away May 16 2011 with his devoted wife Madeline by his side.
She is survived by her son, Robert Skinner of Acworth, NH, her daughter, Randa Tenney of South Acworth, NH, her sisters, Charlotte Lapidow of Essex, Vt . and Lucille Moreau of Palm Desert, Ca., her grandchildren ; Jim, Kyle, Sarah, Gray, Micah, Whit, and Paige; nieces and nephews: Terry, Carol ,Paula, David, Preston, Helen, Frank, Sharon, Dara, Carl, Patty, Danny, Barbara, Jackie, Robin and Jay; and two great grandchildren, James and Matthew.
There will be a memorial service to be announced at a later date , and will be posted on the electronic obituary site : www.csnh.com. Family and friends are encouraged to add their memories and photos there. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Madeline J. Skinner can be made to : The Acworth Community Projecct/Village Store, Box 700, South Acworth, NH 03607.