In Memory
Louise Jeanne (Ingram) Skvaril
Louise Jeanne Ingram Skvaril, a resident of Marin County, California, for 64 years, passed away peacefully at her home on March 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving daughters after a brief battle with cancer.
Born on December 30, 1931, in South Bend, Indiana, Jeanne was the daughter of Jean (Rankin), a homemaker, and James William Ingram, an Industrial Arts school teacher. She graduated with high honors from John Adams High School in 1950 and was the first female in her family to go to college.
Jeanne attended Purdue University on a full scholarship, where she distinguished herself with numerous awards and served as president of Delta Gamma sorority. In 1954, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education, with minors in science and art. Her degree earned her a deep understanding of chemistry and food science, which she utilized her whole life to whip up swoon-worthy meals without ever referencing a recipe. Jeanne would win many admirers throughout her life for her cooking and dinner parties.
Upon graduating, Jeanne married fellow classmate and chemical engineer Paul John Skvaril in a stunning blue silk dress she designed and sewed herself. Together, the couple embarked on an eight-year adventure across the country, both pursuing careers in the chemical industry. Their path led them to California in 1960, where Jeanne began her tenure as a special librarian at the research facility library of Stauffer Chemical Company. They vowed never to leave the West Coast.
By late 1962, the first of three daughters arrived, and Jeanne embraced motherhood while substitute teaching. In 1970, she donned a plaid mini and tam o’shanter and opened a Scottish-themed fish and chip shop in Mill Valley called The Piper’s Bag. That year, the Atlantic Ocean froze over, Icelandic cod went out of supply, and business costs soared, eventually closing the shop in 1973.
In 1974, Jeanne moved on to a new career as a real estate broker and built a property management business named Scott Management Company, which she operated for 35 years. Throughout her professional career, Jeanne always prioritized her family and their needs while also balancing her own interests in painting, travel, gardening, cooking, music, and reading.
Jeanne was a timeless beauty who will be remembered for her poise and grace, her wisdom and strength, and her very easy demeanor. She gave endlessly and without complaint. She asked for little and wasted nothing. She relished family time, interesting conversations, bowls of ice cream after dinner, and any opportunity to see and try new things. Her friendship, love, and spirit will be deeply missed by many.
Jeanne is survived by three daughters, Jacqueline Skvaril, MD (Logan Faust, MD) of Santa Rosa; Julia Skvaril (Steven Colicci) (Vince Amen) of Corte Madera; and Jeanice Skvaril (Jason Fuchs) of Ross, and eight grandchildren: Cole, Sara, and Lauren Faust; Jack and Ciara Colicci; and Caden, Sabine, and Jude Fuchs. She was predeceased by her ex-husband Paul Skvaril and is survived by her brothers William Ingram (Chyrle, deceased) and Kenneth Ingram (Sue), as well as three nieces and two nephews.
A private memorial will be held at a later date. Interment will be alongside her parents at Mountain Shadow Cemetery in Sonora, California. Consider a donation to By the Bay Health, whose guidance gave peace to the end of a joyful life.
06/11/2024 EJS
|