Maree S. (Vranesh) Skorich

Maree (Marija) Shirley Skorich, 99, died at home in Marble, MN on October 5, 2015.  Maree was born on July 31, 1916 to Jurac and Milosova (Rajacic) Vranesh, at her family home in Keewatin, MN.  She was baptized and confirmed into the Serbian Orthodox Church, and was a lifelong member of St. Vasilije of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church of Chisholm.  She graduated from R.L. Downing High School in Keewatin in 1934.  Later in life she attended Itasca Community College, receiving her AA Degree (with Honors) in 1979.  Maree was the assistant librarian at Itasca Community College from 1965 until her graduation and retirement in 1979.
Maree and Dan “Pinky” Skorich were united in the Sacred Mystery of Marriage on October 17, 1937 at St. Vasilije Church and they were married nearly 78 years.  They lived the majority of their married life in their home in Marble.  They were blessed with three children, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, including:  Children, Dr. Michael (Helen) Skorich, Michele (Joseph, dec.) Picchiotti, and Dr. Daniel (Rosemary) Skorich; grandchildren, Michael (Kay), Peter (Brenda), Nick, and Anthony Skorich, Danielle (Mitchell) Hesley, Stefan (Veronika) Skorich, and Aubry (Charles) Haben; and great grandchildren, Amanda, Megan, Sky, Mary, Liam, Anders, and Agnes.
Maree was a tremendous cook and passed on her passion for food (and eating!) to her family.  Pinky and Maree shared a love of travel, fishing, gardening, reading, and (competitive) crossword puzzles.  Maree’s inquisitive and curious nature prompted her to take a painting class.  Ultimately, her teacher politely suggested that she take up another craft like quilting.  Maree then became an accomplished and dedicated quilter, gifting her many quilts to her family.
Most of all she loved to sing, both as a long term member of the St. Vasilije Church Choir, and around her home, where her sweet soprano voice filled the rooms with love and joy.  She was a living jukebox with an astounding memory for lyrics and could sing every word and verse of literally hundreds of songs.  She also had an amazing memory for facts, and would fall asleep reciting the USA state capitols instead of counting sheep.
Maree had a kind and gentle heart, and she sewed a quilt of love around her family and friends.  Her daughter Michele was her special star.
Maree is survived by her children; sisters, Dorothy Mock and Violet Day; and sister-in-law, Margaret Vranesh.  She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, “Pinky” (who died on July 4, 2015); sisters, Angeline Dorer and Mayme (Rudy) Tesla; brothers, Nick Vranesh, Mike (Vivian) Vranesh, George Vranesh, and Bud Vranesh.
In 2012, Worldwide Marriage Encounter honored Maree and “Pinky” as the longest married couple in the state of Minnesota.  Next week they will be celebrating their 78th wedding anniversary surrounded by the angels in heaven.
Her funeral will be held in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.  The Very Reverend Radomir Plavsic will officiate.  Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine.  A gathering of family and friends in the Marble Village Hall will follow the interment.
The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the following angels on earth who were instrumental in allowing us to keep Mom in the comfort of her home;  Larry and Carol, Duane and Nita, Madonna, and Karen; and caregivers, Deno, Jerry, Amy, Denise, Tony, Carly, and Deb.  We are grateful for Fr. Radomir who prepared mom’s soul for heaven.  Our sincere thanks to all of you.

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