Evangeline M. (Groves) Moreau Skelton

WINCHENDON - Mrs. Evangeline M. (Groves) Moreau Skelton died peacefully on Friday night, December 4th in Hopkinton, after a short illness. She was the daughter of William and Alice (Ainsworth) Groves. Mrs. Skelton's death was preceded by her first husband, Philip A. Moreau, who died in 1975, and by her second husband, Dr. Alton B. Skelton, who died in 1989. Mrs. Skelton also lost her youngest son, Alan Ray Moreau in 1994. Evangeline was born in Montague City, MA on February 25,1922. She lived in Winchendon for most of her life until a recent move to Hopkinton, MA in 2006, where she lived with her daughter. She leaves three sons, Philip Kirk Moreau of Hubbardston, William Mark Moreau of York, ME, Kent "Smokey" Groves Moreau of Fitchburg; two stepsons, Frederick Steve Skelton of Camarillo, CA and John Beecher Skelton of Andover. She also leaves a daughter, Alicia Moreau Shambo of Hopkinton, as well as 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Mrs. Skelton was a great supporter of many causes in Winchendon and the surrounding area. She was the past president of the Winchendon Historical Society and the starter of the first chapter of the Red Hats Society. She was very involved with the Clark Memorial and headed up the Annual Bear Fair for many years. She was on the board for the Council on Aging, PTA, the Protestant Youth Center, Garden Club and many more. She was a graduate of Murdock High School, received her RN degree at Henry Heywood Hospital in Gardner and did her training at John Hopkins. She worked at the Winchendon Hospital for many years and later volunteered both in Winchendon and in Gardner in the records department. After her nursing career, she worked as an assistant and office manager for Dr. Thomas Bane, dentist, in Winchendon. Mrs. Skelton was an avid traveler and visited many far off ports, such as Iceland, Australia, Figi, Greece, Alaska, Europe, Africa, Bermuda and many more. She was friendly and always eager to help. She never had a dull moment and always put her family and friends before herself. She loved to cook, hook rugs, read books and do crossword puzzles. She would never turn down the chance to spend time with friends. There will be no calling hours, per her request. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central Street, Winchendon, MA. 01475 or to Winchendon Historical Society, PO Box 279, Winchendon, MA. 01475. Stone-Ladeau Funral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements. www.stone-ladeau.com