Fairfield, CT -- Eve Naramore Skerritt, 79, of Fairfield, CT and Atlantis, FL died March 6, 2017.
Eve, daughter of Patricia Atkinson and H. Burling Naramore, inseparable love of Robert "Bob" Skerritt, passed away peacefully at 8:25 pm, surrounded by her loving husband and children.
In addition to her husband, Eve is survived by her brother Michael Naramore and his wife Nancy of Hobe Sound, FL, her children Patricia Cronin and her husband Tom Cronin of Gloucester MA and her son Michael Skerritt and his wife Joan of Oak Hill, VA. Eve was MeMe to six grandchildren: Ben Skerritt-Davis and his husband Steven Skerritt-Davis of Baltimore; Liz Skerritt and Jen Skerritt of Baltimore; Kim Harrell and her husband Colin Harrell of Washington DC; Melissa Cronin and Scott Cronin of Boston; and one great-grandchild, Evelyn Mae Harrell.
Eve was educated at the Unquowa School in Fairfield, CT, Westover School in Middlebury, CT and at Pembroke College in Brown University where she graduated in 1959 with a degree in Psychology. Eve's education at Brown was the first of three generations, her son Michael graduating 25 years later in 1984 and her grandson Ben Skerritt-Davis graduating 50 years later in 2009. Eve's love of learning extended throughout her life. She was an avid reader, informed investor and was a devoted solver of the New York Times crossword -- which she always completed without assistance or references.
During her lifetime, Eve had many interests and was never at a lack for something to keep her occupied. From early days, she and Bob were campers, hikers and backpackers. Together they covered hundreds of miles of trail, completing the Long Trail in Vermont and many sections of the Appalachian Trail from Maine to North Carolina. Later in life, she and Bob continued to exercise regularly and were seen by friends and neighbors walking their morning circuit to purchase the newspaper both in Fairfield and at their winter home in southern Florida.
Eve's love of nature also included an interest in birds and bird banding with the Connecticut Audubon Society as well as floral identification and gardening. Her yard was perpetually in bloom during the spring and summer. The bounty of her vegetable garden was shared with many and often led to exploration of new recipes – especially as zucchini season rolled around.
While Eve did not pursue a professional career, she spent many years working in a local flower shop creating window displays, bouquets, floral arrangements and holiday wreaths. Her creativity and artistic talent were also evident in her many pastimes: knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting, and singing. Many friends and all relatives were the lucky recipients of handmade gifts at birthdays and holidays. It was her wish to create future heirlooms for her family members.
Perhaps the greatest enjoyment of Eve's life was boating along the coast of New England. Beginning with a small sailboat and progressing to larger vessels over the course of 30 years, Eve and Bob adventured in and around every cove between Fairfield and Bar Harbor, ME. Often spending entire summers aboard "Gemini", they befriended fellow sailors, restaurateurs and dockhands at every port they visited. Cocktail hour was never complete without a Mount Gay on the rocks, in a stemmed glass, if possible. While Bob was the navigator and captain, Eve was always at the helm of their boats. Indeed, she was able to 'nail her landing' at the dock up until her last cruise.
For Eve, there was no greater joy than her family. She adored her mother, Pat, and her brother, Mike Naramore. And while she saw him infrequently always maintained a good relationship with her father, Burl. But none was more adored than her husband of nearly 60 years. She met Bob when he was a lifeguard at Brooklawn Country Club. From the moment Eve set eyes on Bob, her kid brother never missed a swimming lesson and their courtship evolved quickly. Eve and Bob dated while he attended Yale and she attended Brown. They married in 1958 and spent their first years of marriage on Marine Corps bases. In 1962 they moved back to Fairfield, CT and resided in the same neighborhood for the remainder of their marriage. Later in life they spent the winter in southern Florida close to the beach and only a short drive from her brother and sister-in-law.
While the Skerritt family isn't large by most measures, Eve was a loving matriarch. She enthusiastically encouraged family visits and frequently hosted waves of children and grandchildren in their Florida home during the winter months. Eve was able to attend the christening of her first great grandchild, Evelyn Mae Harrell, and was thrilled to learn that the baby is nicknamed "Evie" as this was her childhood name and how Bob has always addressed her.
Shortly after Eve turned 78, she was diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer, Glioblastoma Multiforme. During the next 18 months, Eve maintained an unbelievably upbeat and positive attitude about her diagnosis. Desiring to maintain the best quality of life for as long as possible, she lived with great enthusiasm and grace even as she lost the ability to remember words and was unable to complete her beloved crosswords. Wanting to make the best effort at besting her cancer, she enrolled in a trial drug regimen at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. It was her hope that she could help to advance cancer treatment protocols so that others diagnosed with GBM might have a better chance at a cure than she had.
Her family and friends will miss her greatly, but are happy to know that she was loved by many, lived an incredibly joyful life and will be living on with us as we gaze at the stars in the night sky and at the sunlight glinting off the ocean waves.
It was Eve's wish that there be no memorial service for her. She would be happy to know that you raised a glass with friends in celebration of shared memories.