Pauline B. Skorik Obituary
Pauline Barrow Skorik was born in Snow Hill, North Carolina on March 17, 1941. On July 23, 2023 she was welcomed by her Lord and Savior into her eternal home. Pauline was number seven of 12 children to Alonza and Velma Barrow. Pauline grew up on a tobacco farm and enjoyed life with her siblings. When she was in the eighth grade she moved in with her sister Jean and brother-in-law Marvin. She helped take care of her nieces and nephew and continued her education.
During her senior year of high school she met a young marine from Wisconsin at a Valentine's Day dance. That marine was Ron Skorik and on their very first date he told Pauline he was going to marry her. On May 23, 1959, a week before her high school graduation, they did just that. Ron and Pauline were married at the local minister's home.
In September 1960, they welcomed their first child, Terry Lynn. Another sister, Rochelle Ann, was born in July of 1962. In August 1964, a younger brother, Scott Douglas, joined the family. In the winter of 1965, the couple decided to make a move north, where they were hoping better job opportunities would be available for Ron. Ron and Terry made the trip together and stayed with Ron's parents. Once Ron had found a job, he returned to North Carolina to relocate Pauline and the rest of the family. They found a duplex on 57th and Beloit in West Allis. Pauline enjoyed this first home and the great neighbors which became life-long friends.
In September 1969, the family found a home just two blocks away and moved again to 58th and Beloit Road. Pauline was 8 months pregnant at the time and ready for another addition to the family. Paula Renee was born on October 31, 1969 and she made quite an entrance. Five years later in March 1974, Stacy Marie became the youngest of the Skorik household. During these years, Pauline was very active at Beloit Road Baptist Church and has continued life-long relationships with members of the church.
During the following year, Pauline began to work outside the home. She enjoyed being employed at JC Penney on Greenfield Avenue in West Allis. She had frequented the fabric department of the store and when the manager discovered that she was quite the seamstress, he offered her the alterations position. Pauline enjoyed the work, the customers and the discount. She tried her hand at other jobs as well. She enjoyed being a Princess House hostess and presented in home parties for women who were interested in the Princess House line. Pauline was always busy with projects, helping out neighbors and friends and tirelessly taking care of her family.
The next big move took place in May of 1979. The family relocated to Menomonee Falls where Ron was closer to work and wanted to get out of the city. Pauline returned to JC Penney at the Northridge location and worked in the beauty salon as the receptionist. She enjoyed the job and the opportunity to make new friends with the regular customers who frequented the salon. After several years, she was offered a position in the back of the store, where she ran the show. She was in charge of shipping, receiving and chargebacks. Her favorite part of the job was the treasures she found and brought home.
Pauline enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was very involved with her grandchildrens' activities: sporting events, dance recitals, band concerts and various competitions. Pauline and Ron spent many hours together on a lake or river fishing. Ron enjoyed planning trips for them to share as they visited family and friends across the country. Pauline made great friendships with the neighbors on her street. She has been an avid rummage sale customer, thrift store shopper and bargain hunter. Pauline was an amazing seamstress and has used her talents to make quilts, baby blankets and other handmade items for mission projects. Her love of crocheting has kept her hands busy for decades. Many of her family, friends and strangers have benefitted from her amazing artistic skills with a crochet hook: afghans, baby afghans, scarves, hats, ponchos, vests and coasters. If it can be crocheted, Pauline could do it!
Pauline had a remarkable and full life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron on December 24, 2007; her parents, Alonza and Velma Barrow; sisters, Mavis Crawford, Jean Shingleton, Virginia Rhodes, Dorothy Barrow, Brenda Barrow and brothers, Robert Barrow and Frank Barrow. She is survived by her sister: Mary Alice (Hal) Harring, brothers: Joe (Linda) Barrow, Bobby (Rhonda) Barrow and Ronnie Barrow; children: Terry (Bryan) Hitch, Rochelle Skorik (Houk), Scott (Stephanie) Skorik, Paula (Todd) Poitras, Stacy (Tim) Lee; grandchildren: Jeremy Hitch, Emily (Kyser) Anderson, Jacob Hitch, Bryan Hitch, Jr; Frank (Kristin) Houk, Shawna (Ohm) Pandya, Brittany (Oliver) Lannigan; Taylor Skorik, Zachary Skorik, Hailey Skorik; Grace Poitras, Ava Poitras, Ella Poitras; Maxwell Lee, Braden Lee, Joshua Lee and Lydia Lee. And those who called her great grandma and brought her great joy in these recent years: Tilly, Taylee and Charly Anderson; Jude, Abram and Eden Houk; Aya Pandya. Further survived by sister-in-laws Sheryl, Carol and Judy Skorik and Kathy (Ron) Lewandowski and brother-in-law Greg (Merry) Skorik. Special relationships with Rose and Ron Bowen, Keith and Chris Rhodes, Eddie and Mary Alice Rhodes. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The visitation will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023, from 10:00am until the time of the service at 11:30am at THE SCHMIDT & BARTELT FUNERAL HOME in Menomonee Falls. Entombment will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission or Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital Foundation are appreciated.
Special thanks to the Horizon Hospice staff: Michelle, Stacey, Audra and Sandy for their wonderful care. Also thank you to Dr. Alkwasmi and his staff at the Froedtert Cancer Care Center in Menomonee Falls. We also appreciate the deep friendships and care provided by neighbors and long-time friends, Joyce Duffy, Jan Moser and Doris Saari.
