Andrea L. Skudlarek

Andrea L. Skudlarek

Skudlarek

Andrea Marie LaSala Skudlarek
June 10, 1961 – July 14, 2019

On July 14, 2019 our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away at home after a valiant four-year fight against lung cancer. Andrea was an amazing woman who lived life to the fullest. She always had a smile and a laugh which lit up any room she entered. She was a devoted wife to John and a loving mother to Jake, Paul, Hannah, and Peter. Andrea had a heart of gold. She was generous to all. She told her close friends that they were family and she treated them exactly that way.

Andrea grew up in Crestwood, New York, the oldest child of Steve and Joan LaSala. She loved her role as the big sister to Mary Lou and Stephen. Andrea’s love of family ran deep. She loved to tell stories of learning to cook at the elbow of her great grandmother and of gathering around the piano at her grandmother’s house with her aunts, uncles, and cousins on Sunday afternoons. Andrea and her mother learned to practice transcendental meditation together. Andrea was always her father’s “Little Girl”. Growing up, she was an excellent athlete and golfer.

Andrea was a dedicated educator. She loved teaching and she excelled in working with children with learning disabilities, many of whom were also socially disadvantaged. Andrea taught for nearly 15 years, including elementary education, special education, and pre-school.

In October 1987, Andrea saw a young man drinking a beer in the living room of the Kelley home in Crestwood, NY. Without speaking to him, she knew right away that he would become her husband. He was John Skudlarek, Captain, U.S. Army. After a two-year courtship—and a marriage proposal on Waikiki beach—Andrea and John wed May 12, 1990. Andrea became accustomed to Army life during four tours of duty, each of which produced a new Skudlarek—Jake (Virginia), Paul (France), Hannah (Washington state), and Peter (Hawaii). Andrea often joked that she wondered what the return move to Virginia would bring.

In 2001, the Skudlareks settled into their first ever family-owned home on Neptune Drive in Alexandria. The family took root in the Old Dominion. Andrea became involved in many community activities, teaching, becoming a Cub Scout den leader, and coaching baseball, softball, and basketball. The family traveled extensively, visiting France, Germany, Spain, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada. John and Andrea could also be found poolside for swim meets at Mansion House, at Grist Mill Park for soccer games, and at Mount Vernon and West Potomac High Schools for football, field hockey, lacrosse, and track competitions. Andrea was a presence cheering on her kids and their teammates. Andrea proudly attended Jake and Paul’s graduations from James Madison University in 2017 and Hannah’s graduation this year from Virginia Tech. Peter continues his studies at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Andrea was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer in early 2015. She never lost her zest for life and she refused to let the cancer define her. She bravely endured many trials with grace and courage. Despite the cancer, she visited the shrine at Lourdes, France, hiked up part of Mount Rainier, and led the family on a trip to Alaska. Andrea’s life was one of love, family, and friendship, of achievement and service. A life well lived!

Donations may be made in memory of Andrea to Alice’s Kids: www.aliceskids.org

Offer Condolence for the family of Andrea L. Skudlarek

Visitation

Cunningham Turch Funeral Home

811 Cameron St. Alex. VA 22314

07/17/2019

3:00pm - 5:00pm

07/17/2019

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Life Celebration Service

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alex, VA 22309

07/18/2019

10:30am - 11:30am

Condolence Messages

  1. Debbie Hein says:

    I am so sorry to hear of Andrea’s passing. During my time at Washinton Mill ES she was a presence – parent, PTA president, educator. She was passionate in each role! My thoughts are with your family.

  2. Jeanine and Andrew Levine says:

    We offer our deepest sympathies to the entire family and pray for grace and healing for all, each in their own way. MaryLou is a colleague and her love for her sister was incredibly palpable. May Andrea rest in everlasting peace.

  3. Skip Lussier says:

    John, there are no words. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

  4. Bob Weller says:

    Teaching is the greatest act of optimism. Thank you for sharing this memorial and I’m sorry for your loss.

  5. Charlotte Pierce says:

    Dear John,

    I am very sorry for your loss. May the Angels lead her into Paradise and may the Holy Spirit comfort you and your family.

  6. Tamara and Bill Severe says:

    Our deepest sympathies to John and your children on the loss of Andrea. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  7. Ray Family says:

    Dear Skudlarek Family:

    We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    With sincere sympathy.

    The Ray Family

  8. Rich & Dorian Barry says:

    Our deepest sympathies to you and both families during this difficult time. Andrea will always be remembered by us as a happy full of life person who loved being around others. We enjoyed being in her company. May God bless her with peace and bless her family. May she Rest In Peace.

  9. Dorian & Rich Barry says:

    So sorry for the loss of Andrea. We enjoyed being in her company , she was full of life and made everyone around her feel good. She was always laughing and smiling. May she Rest In Peace . May God bless Andrea and her family during this difficult time.

  10. Susie Bowers says:

    We are so very sorry for the lost of your dear wife and mother. She was always an exceptional role model as a mother. She had a great laugh and was wonderful to be with during elementary school functions.
    Our prayers are with your family.
    Mike and Susie BOWERS
    Jessi Bowers Mogadam
    Mary Bowers Taylor
    Will Bowers

  11. Sherri Miller says:

    To the Skudlarek Family,
    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother and wife.
    Andrea was a wonderful strong person!
    If any of you need anything please let me know!
    Sherri Miller
    “Shmiller”

  12. Michael Gellella says:

    The greatest memories I have of Andrea is when we were children. We spent many happy days together. I especially remember the summer days at Joan and Steve’s lovely pool at their Crestwood Home. Claudine and I send our deepest condolences to her beautiful Family.

  13. The Farrell Family says:

    We are so very sorry for your loss! Andrea was a wonderful, fun and happy person and will truly be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!

  14. Frances says:

    May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind always be at your back.
    May the sun shine warm upon your face,
    and rains fall soft upon your fields.
    And until we meet again,
    May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

    With Love..

  15. Lauren Curley says:

    I’m so sorry to hear this. Mrs. Skud was my son’s preschool teacher. I couldn’t believe how much he learned in her class. She really pushed her students to do their best. She had a real fondness for my son Owen and noticed his strengths in class. I will not forget her kindness and also her fun personality. Prayers for all of you.

  16. Barb & Dale Roach says:

    Dale, the boys and I were so sorry to hear yesterday of Andrea’s passing. Are thoughts are with you all as we fondly remember your spirited, loving and always present mom and wife.

  17. Catherine LACROIX says:

    C’est avec une immense tristesse que nous avons appris le retour auprès de Dieu d’Andrea.
    Nous sommes profondément émus et nous vous assurons tous de notre grande affection.
    Nos prières l’ont accompagnée durant ces années où elle a affronté sa maladie avec un grand courage et une grande dignité. Nous pensions tous qu’elle s’en sortirait, que le Bon Dieu ne la reprendrait pas aussi vite.
    Andrea s’est battue jusqu’au bout. Nous nous souviendrons de sa joie de vivre, de son entrain et de son rire communicatif. Maintenant le Seigneur l’a rappelée à lui. La savoir dans la Lumière et dans la Paix doit être une grande consolation après toutes les souffrances qu’elle a endurées.
    Andrea n’est plus, mais du haut du Ciel, elle veillera sur vous tous.
    Malgré l’éloignement, Andrea et vous êtes dans nos cœurs.
    En union de prières.

    Catherine

  18. Binh Vo says:

    Dear John,

    My heart goes out to you and your family. I am wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time.

  19. Kerry Sheehy says:

    To The Skudlarek Family , thinking of all of you . Ms. LaSala was my teacher in St. Brendan’s and we had such good times. We connected as adults and it was so great to hear stories as an adult . Thirty years later and Andrea was a part of our lives .

  20. Marianne Turosky says:

    Paul and family, so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers!!!!
    Marianne and Vince Turosky.

  21. Christie Perryman says:

    Andrea had the kind of internal light that can never be put out. All of that positive energy is still in the universe, and it can continue to inspire us. I feel blessed that our families crossed paths. Wishing John and the family comfort and peace.

  22. Dan Matheis says:

    So very sorry to hear of Andre’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

  23. Deb Jordan says:

    My deepest condolences in this time of loss. I pray that the wonderful, lifelong memories will help to ease the pain of your loss. She was a wonderful caring person – and the fruits of her labor will live long into the future. She will be long remembered fondly. Warmest regards – deb

  24. Rachel and Gavin Carter says:

    My deepest condolences to John and the entire family. Andrea lived life to the fullest and will be missed. May she Rest In Peace and we pray for your strength at this challenging time.

  25. Jami O’Hagan says:

    John, Paul, Jake, Hannah and Peter,
    I am so very sorry to hear this news. As I read the notice I immediately heard Andrea’s big laugh and saw that gorgeous smile. Hold
    on tight to each other as those memories.

  26. Rosemary says:

    I am so saddened to hear this news. I have vivid memories of her smile and laugh when you introduced us back in our INSCOM days. And our last meeting at our chance encounter at Burton’s. I have always been struck by the ever apparent love you have for one another. True soulmates. I am so sorry.

  27. JDanny Cooper says:

    John and family:
    I am so very sorry and saddened to read your post. My heart is pierced for you. You are in my prayers.

  28. Jamie Needham says:

    Praying for God’s grace and comfort and peace for you and the family.

    John 14:1-6 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

    5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

    6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

  29. Pam’s and George O’Quinn says:

    Thinking of you and your family…may your memories help you through this difficult time.

  30. Kari Ann and Mark McDonald says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Andrea was full of life and love. Her love will always be with you. May she be at peace, in God’s loving care. May He offer you his comfort and strength, and be with you always.

  31. Mark and Stacie Thompson says:

    John and family,
    We are so sorry to hear of Andrea’s passing. She was an amazing person, so full of warmth, light, humor and passion. Please accept our condolences, wishing you much love and strength in the days ahead.

  32. William G. Fillman says:

    Please accept our deepest sympathy on Andrea’s passing, may God bless her and keep her for ever and ever. Amen.

  33. Andrea Huston says:

    Dear John, Jake, Paul, Hannah, and Peter,
    I am so very sad and sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are for you all at this time.

    • Joy Howard says:

      So sorry for your loss. I got to know Andrea when Tara and Rex lived in Alexandria. She was very kind to Tara when she was expecting Emma. Andrea always lit up the room, always a smile.

  34. Barbara Baker says:

    So many in our community will feel this loss deeply. My heart aches for John and family. May the happy memories help pull you through this time of grieving. Oh behalf of Alice’s Kids, thank you for honoring our charity with her name.

  35. Ron J Fitzsimmons says:

    John and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

  36. Dana says:

    John, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family, that God will hold you in the palm of His hand and give you special signs of comfort and peace, reminders large and small that Andrea is in His heavenly presence. You have so many people who love you and are here for you, please know that.

  37. Rhonda Linovitz says:

    I will miss you, my dear friend. Rest in peace.

  38. Adriene. Pessel says:

    I am so very sorry. My heart hurts for you . Andrea lived life with such passion . The love and support she gave to her family was never ending . Love and hugs to you all
    Adriene

  39. Alan and Thuy Golombek says:

    Thuy and I are so sorry for your loss. I wish I had the words.

  40. Jeffrey Datt says:

    I offer my deepest sympathies to you and the family and may be comforted with God’s grace through the intercession of his Blessed Mother .And, pray her soul rest in the presence of the Good Lord with the Blessed Mother and all the Saints and Angels.

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