Obituary of Florence McShane

Florence “Skip” McShane passed away peacefully on June 22 in her home surrounded by loved ones. Florence was born on Sept 19th, 1925 in Hartville, Wyoming one of eight children growing up in a family facing the many obstacles brought about by the Great Depression. Due to her humble upbringing, she was forever gracious and thankful for everything she had. Florence lived her life with an infectious energy and spirit that was her trademark. “Skip”, as she was known to friends, was always active and on the go. Among other things, Skip loved to sing, dance, bake, cook, entertain and always lived life to the fullest. She met her match and true love Jim in 1945 and they wed the following year. Their love and loyalty to one another would remain rock solid for the next 69 years of their marriage. Skip and Jim had three sons Patrick, Michael and Mark who were the apple of Skips eye. Although her sons were a handful, they were always mama’s boys at heart. She was as an amazing mother and homemaker who took pride in caring for her family and friends. There was never an empty stomach, dirty dish or unfolded laundry in Skips home. She worked tirelessly to make sure that others were always taken care of and comfortable.

As the years passed Skip made a seamless transition from Mom to Grandma. Grandma Skip could spoil her grandkids with the best of them and was the loving matriarch of her family. Her grandchildren adored her and had their best memories at Grandmas house. Whether she was giving piggy back rides, baking Christmas treats or feeding a horse, Grams was always fun to be around and was a great role model and example for all of her grandchildren. She touched the lives of a many people and will be greatly missed by all.

As a devout Catholic, Grandma Skip looked forward to being reunited with her loved ones in Heaven. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings as well as her husband Jim and her beloved sons Pat and Mike.

Florence is survived by her son Mark (Lisa) McShane and grandchildren Lisa (Eric) Wilhide, Teresa (Tim) Hill, Cody (Crystal) McShane, Jim (Yvette) McShane, Shannon (Joe) Bowman, Zach DeVoe and Troy (Suzy) DeVoe. Great-grandchildren Jonathan, Sarah, Tyler, Tucker, Bohdi, Trace, Blaze, Alicia, Lauryn and Michael as well as great-great-granddaughters Jaycee Jay and Gianna. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored very much.

During the final years of her life Grandma Skip was blessed to have two angels by her side as her health was declining. Her son Mark and daughter in law Lisa brought Skip into their home and cared for her until her passing. Their own lives were put on hold as they selflessly provided constant love, support and care to Skip, always keeping her comfortable and happy. Lisa was literally by Grandma’s side day and night for many years and the sacrifices she made for her mother in law were immeasurable and will never be forgotten. Skip’s caregivers Darlene and Lupe were Heaven sent as well and did an amazing job along with her Hospice family who were a constant source of support to the family until the very end. 

A memorial mass for Florence will be held on Thursday June 29th at 11AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tres Pinos, CA. Immediately following the mass she will be laid to rest with her husband Jim at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella,CA beginning @ 2PM. Family and friends will meet at the Grove Restaurant in Hollister for food and drinks after the burial.