Claire Kathleen ‘Skippy’ (Koskey) Villa

Skippy was born February 11th, 1927, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Alvin R. and Sadie (Guelff) Koskey, graduated from St. Paul High School, Class of 1944, and was a lifelong area resident. Following high school, she attended the U.P. Beauty Academy in Marquette, completing her curriculum in 1945, and then began her career as a beautician. Skippy owned and operated her beauty salon in the Breitung Hotel in Negaunee. She also worked for many years at Russo Brothers Grocery Store. Skippy married the late Vincent ‘Pancho’ Villa on June 12th, 1948 and they shared 64 years together.

Mrs. Villa was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee, and was a former member of the Lady Druids. In her spare time, she loved being at the family camp on Mitchell Lake surrounded by her family and friends, entertaining and playing cards. Following retirement, Skippy and Pancho enjoyed wintering in Florida. Most of all, she loved following her beloved grandchildren in their hobbies, including watching hockey, baseball and football.

Surviving are her daughter, Julie (Brent) Nault of Negaunee, her son, Paul Villa of Negaunee; four grandchildren: Jamie (Lyle) Warner, Lindsey Ringuette, Tyler and Tony Nault; great-grandchildren: Amelia McCormick, Nolan and Emma Ringuette and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vincent ‘Pancho’ Villa in 2012, her son, Steven Villa; an infant son, George; brother, A. Robert (Rena) Koskey; and sister-in-law, Domenica (Francis ‘Buster’) Russo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 23rd at St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee, with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Burial will be in the Gwinn Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 PM until the start of Mass at 2:00 PM at the church on Thursday, and also at luncheon immediately following Mass in the St. Paul School Gymnasium. Pallbearers will be Tyler and Tony Nault, Tony Maki, Michael O’Donnell, Robert Koskey and Matthew Prusi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Negaunee Senior Center, Eastwood Nursing Home Activity Fund and/or St. Paul Catholic Church.

Skippy’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Eastwood for their daily compassionate care provided.

Mrs. Villa’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.