Virginia “Gina” Skelley 1931-2016

Virginia Bailey “Gina” Skelley died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family early Friday morning on May 13, 2016.  Gina was born August 14,, 1931 to Allan Erick and Marion (Copp) Bailey in Newton, MA.  Allan and Marion moved to Wolfeboro in 1935 and opened Bailey’s Restaurant in 1938.

Gina matriculated from the one room school house in South Wolfeboro, NH to Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, NH onto Northfield School for Girls.  She Graduated from University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH in 1952 with a degree in Physical Education.

Gina started her career taking her first teaching position in Saugerties, NY as a grade school P.E. teacher.  In 1954 she began teaching at Robinson Female Seminary in Exeter, NH during its final year of operation, at which point she moved on to the newly coed Exeter High School where she was the coach for all the female sports teams (field hockey, basketball and softball), cheerleading and taught Physical Education classes for the Junior and Senior High School until 1960.  During Gina’s tenure in Exeter all her teams went undefeated.

In 1956 she met and married Alan Fitch Skelley of Melrose, MA.  In the early 60’s Alan and Gina moved to Wolfeboro, NH to raise a family and help assist with the family Restaurant, “Bailey’s”, which eventually they owned and operated.  Bailey’s was a place Gina and her family called home and made many wonderful memories and friendships.  Gina’s homemade blueberry muffins were a staple at Bailey’s and to many local families she became known as the “muffin lady” through her Christmas and Artists in the Park donations. 

Throughout this time she also coached many different levels of field hockey in the Kingswood school system. Gina was known for her overly generous support of all Kingswood athletic programs from their inception, even providing her back yard as a local ball field to her sons and their friends.  She was a familiar sight at all the athletic events including football games, ski races, hockey games, field hockey games and many more as supporting her children and grandchildren was something she cherished. 

In 2001 Gina was awarded the Connard Memorial Award by the American Cancer Society for her enthusiastic efforts for the Relay for Life.  Also an avid skier, she and her husband spent 20 years assisting Penny Pitou with her incomparable ski trips to the Alps.  She would want to recognize her special friendships with Penny and Pam built during this time.

Gina is survived by her husband of 60 years, Alan F. Skelley, Wolfeboro, NH, her four beloved sons, her 12 grandchildren, her 5 great-grandchildren.  Chip Skelley and his wife Deb (Hale) of Wolfeboro, NH, their children Allie and wife Stefanie, their  son Fitzy (Alan IV) – Kaitlyn and her husband Andy, their daughters Bailey and Padley – Tad and his wife Josie and their daughter Madden.  Rick Skelley, Wolfeboro, NH and his children Presleigh, Hanna and Erick.  Douglas Skelley and his wife Sheila (Maddock), Wolfeboro, NH and their children Doug and his wife Margot, and their son Maddock and daughters Johanne, Emily and Virginia.  David, Hamburg, NY and his children Josh and Rebecca.  She also leaves behind her only brother Allan Bailey and his wife Cindy, Wolfeboro, NH.

The family would like to thank Carol Tubman and Paula Proulx of Compassus Hospice of North Hampton, NH and the staff from SB Nursing Care Management Services, Center Tuftonboro, NH for the compassionate care they provided. 

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 24th from 5-8pm at Lord’s Funeral Home, Wolfeboro, NH.  Memorial Services will be held 3:00pm,  Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the First Congregational Church, South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

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