Obituary: Peggy Skidmore

Peggy Skidmore, of Longboat Key and Sea Girt, N.J., died Dec. 14.

Born in Jersey City, N.J., Mrs. Skidmore spent her early years in Belleville, N.J. She was an honors graduate of Belleville High School and served as cheerleading captain. She attended Drew University and later worked in banking and insurance.

Mrs. Skidmore had a long history of volunteer work, including work for the Overlook Hospital Twig Organization in Summit, N.J.

Mrs. Skidmore was also a fashion model who received national recognition when her wedding was featured in Prudential magazine. She served as “first lady” of the U.S. National Junior Chamber of Commerce and resided in Tulsa, Okla., during her tenure.

When she returned to New Jersey, she lived in Berkeley Heights for 42 years. She also lived on Longboat Key for more than 25 years. The island was a favorite site of hers and the location of a number of her close friends.

Mrs. Skidmore participated in several choral activities with the Key of Sea Chorus. She was a loyal Giants football fan, an avid reader and grammar expert and loved working on crossword puzzles. She epitomized her strong Lutheran faith by serving others.

Mrs. Skidmore was preceded in death by sisters Grace Casey, of Neptune, N.J., and Virginia Carlson, of Beachwood, N.J. She is survived by her husband, James Skidmore Jr.; children Jacqueline Skidmore, of Sea Girt, and James III, of Berkeley Heights; and three grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Dec. 18, in Wall, N.J.

Condolences may be sent to obrienfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project.