FORT MYERS, FLA. — “Skippy” (Marion Cook) McCusker, 80-years very young, died in the loving presence of her husband, Andy, their eight grown children, numerous grandchildren and several siblings on the night of May 11 in Fort Myers, Fla.

Skippy and Andy were planning soon to travel to their annual summer home at Lake Monomonac, Rindge, when she was suddenly overtaken by the late stages of pancreatic cancer. Her last earthly vision was that of a golden sunset over the water.

A model to all her family and to friends, Skippy always “looked at the bright side,” finding and sharing the silver lining in every cloud.

At their retirement summer home on Lake Monomonac, Skippy and her husband were active members of the Monomonac Lake Property Owners Association. Each year they loaned or captained their pontoon boat to assist in teaching area fifth-graders about lake ecology. Skippy also assisted in collecting lake water samples from all around the lake, which were then sent to Concord for testing. Skippy and her husband also took part in many lake cruises to seek and document any infestation of exotic weeds that might threaten the ecosystem of the lake. They shared the love of the water, enjoyed their pontoon boat “Summer Breeze” where, as Andy himself describes it, she “allowed” him to be the captain. She relished joining her son Kevin and friends and family riding in their antique speedboat on so many warm summer days.

Skippy was a member of the Winchendon Country Club and attended Mass at St Patrick Catholic Church in Jaffrey with her husband.

Besides her husband (of 63 years) and eight children, Skippy leaves 23 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two sisters and two brothers. She was also predeceased by four siblings and a grandson.

Calling hours are at the Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Route 4, Unionville, Conn., on Thursday, May 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday, May 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

A Memorial Mass in the Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea, 144 Main St., Unionville, will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Her husband, Andy, intends to continue to summer and help out at Lake Monomonac, where his mailing address is 251 Fourth St, Winchendon, MA 01475.