Frances Skinner

Frances V. Skinner, 89, one of the earliest World War II "Government Girls," died April 12, 2013 at home in Frederick, Maryland. She devoted her life to family, a career in public service working in a series of innovative federal government initiatives, and a retirement filled with activities reflecting her celebration of faith, commitment to volunteering, her interests in communication and public policy, the joy she found in the beauties of interior design, decorating and gardening, her zest for music and ballroom dancing, her awe of nature, and her respect for people and their cultures.

Mrs. Skinner, formerly of Oxon Hill, Maryland was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. After graduating from McKeesport High School in 1942, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her long career in Federal government service.

Following her marriage to George Skinner in 1944, she relocated temporarily to Newport News Virginia to join her Navy husband and work for the Virginia Engineering Construction Company at Langley Air Force Base.

After the birth of her daughter, Karen J. Skinner, Mrs. Skinner returned to full time Federal Service in 1954, focusing on exciting and emerging public service endeavors, beginning with the U.S. Census Bureau's Economic Census -- the first census ever computerized on what was then known as the UNIVAC.

In 1964, she moved to work with high-level White House and government officials in setting up new federal agencies. After establishment of the Office of Economic Opportunity under President Lyndon Johnson's administration to fight poverty in the United States, Mrs. Skinner moved to that new organization which reported directly to the White House. As the Administrative Officer in the Agency's Office of Public Affairs, Mrs. Skinner was responsible not only for management of all administrative matters, but also for coordination of every detail as it related to the Agency Director's press conferences, briefings, or other press matters. These duties required extremely sensitive and discretionary interactions between the staff, and White House officials, members of Congress, and the press corps. Long hours and pressure-filled days were the norm for this highly political Agency under the Direction of Sargent Shriver in the formative years, and later Donald Rumsfeld and Richard Cheney who were in charge of its dismantling under President Richard Nixon's administration. Later, in the 1970's, Mrs. Skinner also contributed to the early days of the Cost of Living Council, with Donald Rumsfeld as its Director.

In 1975, Mrs. Skinner sought and achieved an early-out retirement, following President Nixon's forced resignation due to the Watergate scandal, and the dismantling of the Office of Economic Opportunity. She embraced this transition to actively pursue volunteerism, delivering meals-on-wheels for eight years in Prince George's County, and working diligently with the Maryland Coalition to fight pornography. She was among those attending the signing of legislation in Annapolis successfully promoted by this group to rid the State of Dial-a-Porn and increase penalties for even the possession of child pornography. She continued her fervent interests in public policy and communication through attendance at public meetings, presentations, and debates, and with published letters to various media.

In 1994, Mr. and Mrs. Skinner moved to Frederick Maryland, where they savored its natural beauty and rich history. Here, they enjoyed meeting new friends and neighbors, attending the Catholic Chapel at Fort Detrick, and transforming their new home to a warm, loving place for family, holiday guests, and entertaining. Mrs. Skinner joined the local Garden Club and became an active member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, working on meeting events. She sang with the Golden Tones, Frederick's senior chorus, and immensely enjoyed summer ballroom dancing in the cool mountain breezes of nearby Pen Mar Park. She belonged to Saint Timothy's Roman Catholic Church in Walkersville, Maryland, where she also sang in its traditional choir, led its Leisure Group, planning activities for church seniors, and worked in several of its outreach efforts, such as its Bereavement Ministry. More recently, she also attended Saint Katharine Drexel Roman Catholic Church in Frederick, appreciating its active parishioners, and especially its efforts to promote and enhance interfaith dialogue and understanding throughout the Frederick community.

Mrs. Skinner was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, George Skinner, and by her sister, Dolores Spielmyer of White Oak, Pennsylvania, and her brother, Walter Stepansky of North Versailles, Pennsylvania. Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Karen J. Skinner of Frederick, Maryland, and two sisters, Marcella Totter and Connie Nelson, both also of North Versailles Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church building fund, 8428 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD, 21702, or to an endeavor of choice specifically dedicated to ovarian cancer research.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 2013 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16 at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 8651 Biggs Ford Road, Walkersville, MD 21793.

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