Obituary of Kristina Skela

KRISTINA SKELA, 81 Our Beloved & Cherished Mother, Grandmother, Sister & Aunt, went home to God on Thursday morning, May 6^th.  She died peacefully, at home with her son Josif at her bedside and daughter Anila nearby.

Born in 1940 in Vlora, Albania, to loving parents Eleni & Petro Pema, Kristina was the only daughter, and middle child between two brothers whom she adored.  In 1966 she married the love of her life, Jorgji (Xhorxhi) Skela, a mechanical engineer, and Director of a plant.  Kristina worked as an accountant.  Together they raised two children, son Josif and daughter Anila.  Theirs was a loving and close-knit family of four till Husband Xhorxhi predeceased Kristina in 1988.

In 1999 Kristina immigrated to Windsor, Ont. Canada, together with son Josif and his family. Together in 2007 they all moved to North Carolina to be close to daughter Anila where she was living with her family.

Kristina’s life revolved around her children and grandchildren.  She was a huge presence in the lives of her grandchildren.  Kristina was a woman of deep faith, strong character, and a gentle personality, she loved to read, cook, knit, and garden, but her family was always her priority.  Later in life she lived with a chronic illness, but always maintained a cheerful and pleasant disposition.

Just days before her unexpected passing, she was able to celebrate her 81^st birthday dinner with her family.  And a great family celebration on May 2^nd on Orthodox Easter.

Kristina is survived by son Josif Skela, and granddaughters Tea & Jessica Skela; by daughter Anila and Son-in-law Gent Hito, and grandsons George and Martin Hito; by brother & sister-in law Tomi & Evelina Pema; by brother & sister-in-law Pandi & Leta Pema; and by many nephews, nieces & grand nephews.

Kristina was loved and cherished by her family & friends and will be dearly missed every day.  She will live on, in our hearts and thoughts forever.  Her love does not leave us and we thank God for the time she was ours.

A viewing will be held at Walker Funeral home on Saturday, May 8,  from 1:30 - 3:00 pm.  A burial service will follow at Markham Memorial Gardens Cemetery At 4:00 pm, Officiated by The Very Reverend Archimandrite Fr. Stavroforos Mamaies.

Walker's Funeral Home in Chapel Hill is assisting the family.