Agnes Marie (Skippon) Mirando

Agnes Skippon Mirando, age 89, passed away on September 27, 2024, at her home after a lengthy illness. Her daughter Faith and son Bill were by her side.

This beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother will be remembered for her incredible strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Agnes was born on October 13, 1934, in Conneaut. She was the oldest child of William and Helia Lampinen Skippon. Agnes loved spending time playing outside with her brothers and girlfriends. She was an avid swimmer, spending many days in the waters of Lake Erie.

In school, Agnes developed a deep love of knowledge. She had a particular affinity and flare for reading and writing.  Having grown up in a household with immigrant grandparents, she was also fluent in Finnish.

Agnes graduated from Rowe High School Class of 1952. She was married and started a family. After several years of being a full-time mother, she decided to pursue her life goal and become a teacher, enrolling at Edinboro University. She received both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education.

She subsequently became a teacher at Southeast Elementary School, alternating between 4th and 5th grades.  The commitment to her students was incredible.  She provided great instruction and instilled a love of education in many of them.  Agnes also taught her students many life lessons, such as self-discipline, civility, and conflict resolution.  Countless former students would recount their love and appreciation for their favorite teacher, Mrs. Mirando. 

After 30+ years of teaching, she retired.  Shortly after retirement, Agnes and her son Mark began raising her grandson, Michael.  Having such intense love of nurturing and of family, she found great joy and satisfaction in her new role.  In a sense, Michael had Mama all to himself. 

Agnes’s love of service continued as a volunteer for Hospice of the Western Reserve, providing comfort and aid to the terminally ill and their families.  Friendships were developed and maintained for many years with the families left behind.

Agnes will be remembered as a multidimensional lady: independent, intelligent and witty.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and delighted in some silliness.  Agnes loved traveling and experiencing different cultures and cuisines such as eating Kangaroo in Australia.  Becoming a bit of a thrill seeker, she went ziplining and four wheeling through the jungles of Mexico at the age of 80!

Agnes was a devout Catholic her entire life.  She was in love with Christ, His Church, and its sacraments.  A natural educator, Agnes taught both CCD and RCIA at St. Frances Cabrini Church.  She had a special devotion to Mary, Our Blessed Mother.  She dedicated her life to sharing the love of Christ through her every action and word.  She helped make everyone better.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bill and her son-in-law Bill White.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Faith White, sons Mark Michael Mirando (Jackie Gresh) and William (Denise) Skippon Mirando, grandchildren, Benjamin White, Christopher (Denielle)White, David Mirando and Amber Olson, Michael (Shannon) Mirando, Agnes (Sencer) Karabulut and Matthew Mirando, and great grandchildren Ellie and Jackson White, Riley Mirando and Michelle Karabulut and a brother Richard (Bonnie) Skippon and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut with Father Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the Hospice of Western Reserve for the care and compassion given to Agnes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut, Ohio 44030 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Raisian Funeral Home.

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