Loving mother, gifted decorator, dog lover

Marilyn Bosson Skidmore, who grew up in Claremont and most recently lived in Upland, died on October 18, 2013 at home with her children at her side after a battle with cancer. She was 56.

Born on February 19, 1957 to Jeanette and David Bosson, Ms. Skidmore attended Claremont schools and graduated from Claremont High School in 1975. After high school, she lived in Maui, Hawaii, Missoula, Montana, San Luis Obispo and San Diego. She married, moved to Orange County and raised a daughter, Jennifer, and son, Craig. Ms. Skidmore lived in Orange County for 30 years before returning to Upland in 2012.

Along with a successful career in corporate sales and marketing, Ms. Skidmore also had a passion for home décor and home restoration. She had just finished remodeling her house, a 1970s-era home she gutted and turned into a stunning showplace. Ms. Skidmore did all the work herself, from painting to laying tile to installing hardwood floors. She showed incredible creativity, finding joy in discovering bargains from Habitat for Humanity and recycling them into unique, functional, classy décor in her home.

However, she often said that the accomplishments that were most important to her and that she was most proud of were the deep, loving relationships she shared with her children and the Bosson family relationships that span many generations including four great-nieces and one great-nephew, each of with whom she forged a unique friendship. Ms. Skidmore was often the instigator of impromptu family gatherings. She was the consummate mother, aunt, sister, daughter and friend.

She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Skidmore of Los Angeles; son Craig Skidmore of Carlsbad; mother Jeanette Bosson of Yucaipa; sister Beth Robinson (Sid Robinson) of Upland; brothers Steve Bosson of Miami, Ross Bosson (Tina Bosson) of Yucaipa and Dave Bosson (Patti Eckert) of Claremont; nieces, nephews and in-laws Brian and Felissa Bosson, Jeff and Jaclyn Bosson, David Bosson, Christine Van Hyning, Chele Van Hyning, Kyle Bosson, Colt Bosson, Charlie Bosson, Leslie Bosson, Tom Bosson, Lauren Bosson, Chloe Bosson, Scott Bosson, Brent Bosson, Kevin Bosson, Sid Robinson and Sam Robinson; her former husband Kent Skidmore and his wife Shari; and the family dogs Miko, Myiagi, Tina, Pete and Ronald.

She was preceded in death by her father David Bosson and brother Brent Bosson.

An outdoor memorial service for Ms. Skidmore will be held on Friday, November 8 at 11:30 a.m. at the Padua Hills Theatre, located at 4467 Padua Ave. in Claremont. Guests are asked to begin arriving at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to one of two organizations close to Ms. Skidmore’s heart: the Be Perfect Foundation, 720 Indigo Ct., Pomona, CA 91767 (beperfectfoundation.com) or COTA in honor of Zeke K, cotaforzekek.com, c/o Amber Weiser, 12922 View Ridge Dr., Tustin, CA 92705.