Ann (Layton) Townsend Skelly

January 1, 1944  –  April 4, 2025

Ann Townsend Skelly

Ann (Layton) Townsend Skelly, beloved mother and grandmother, who was best known for her boundless generosity and creative intellect, passed away on the morning of April 4th, 2025 after a long and fulfilling life. Born in Oklahoma on January 1, 1944, she grew up in Delaware, where she attended Tower Hill School in Wilmington. Ann finished high school at Westover School in Middlebury, CT, and went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. To be close to her children and grandchildren during their formative years, Ann followed her family in their own adventures across the country, living at times in New York, New Hampshire, Illinois and Washington State.

“Skipper”, as Ann was called by many, was known for her deep love of children and animals. As a young woman, she co-founded and taught at The Gosling School in New Hampshire. Skipper also brought the warmth of her big smile – as well as her wits and strong will – into the classroom at The Well School, in Peterborough, NH, where she taught 3rd and 4th grade. Over the years, many lucky animals also found themselves under Skipper’s care. Ever the wordsmith, she lovingly referred to her pets as her “menagerie” – the perfect way to describe the small animal kingdom living in her yard and under her roof: dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, bunnies, mice, birds, hamsters, lizards, fish and geese. For many years Skipper was recognized around town by her license plate: ITSAZU – an homage to the loving chaos that comes from caring for so many!

Skipper’s love for children and animals also led her to manage the office at Pony Farm in Lyndeborough, NH for several years. At this horseback riding farm, Skipper was integral in starting Horse Power, a therapeutic riding program for those requiring special assistance and care in the saddle. With this program she touched many people who otherwise may not have benefited from the joys of horsemanship and time spent on a farm.

Skipper was often described as “creative” and “clever”. From writing song lyrics and practicing graphic design to building stone walls and gardening, Skipper never passed on a creative project. Her whimsical designs for imaginary mini-golf courses delighted those fortunate enough to hear about them.  Everything she did, she did well. Her talent as an artist was undeniable and recognized by her community: she was even commissioned to paint intricate designs and pet portraits on picnic baskets, Christmas ornaments and furniture. Skipper’s artwork was deliberate and masterful, showing her innate intelligence, unique vision and timeless good taste.

Skipper’s clever and curious mind was also reflected in her choice of hobbies: word games, puzzles, painting and travel (both to see family and friends and to go on sightseeing adventures to places such as The Galapagos Islands). She filled any extra time with extensive volunteer work, which included years of writing class notes for her class at Westover School, volunteering with animal shelters and soup kitchens in Chicago, Ronald McDonald House in Seattle, and countless bake sales and events aimed at improving the lives of children. She also shared her convivial nature with the public by working retail at various times throughout her life.

Skipper lived her life trying to make magic for those around her, especially her kids and grandkids. Everyone close to her can remember a time when they came to her with an idea, (something as small as a new restaurant to try or something as big as a daring new hairstyle or career decision), and got in return her classic, signature, open-minded rejoinder: “What fun!” Her open-handed spirit made her beloved by her 9 grandchildren: Kate, Toby, Tasha, Lily, Margaret, Fiona, Juniper, Artemis and Sophia.

Skipper made her final transition in Seattle, WA, surrounded by loved ones. Her Scrabble acumen lives on in her four surviving children: Laura Townsend, John Townsend (Jake), Kalithea Huelle and Menina Stadler.

Services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 28 at Epiphany Parish, 1805 38th Avenue, Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Touchstone Farm (https://www.touchstone-farm.org/donate/) or Westover School (https://www.westoverschool.org/#).