Sammie Skatvold

Skatvold, Sammie Kay
March 14, 1938 - January 15, 2013
Sammie Kay Skatvold, 74 of San Marino, California, passed away peacefully in the company of her family, at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, on January 15, 2013. Sammie Kay was born in El Centro, California, to Samuel and Floss Donabedian, and lived there until she graduated from Central Union High School in 1956. From there she continued her educational pursuits at USC where she received both her undergraduate degree as well as her Masters in Education in affiliation with the John Tracy Clinic. A devoted teacher of the hearing impaired, Sammie Kay taught at the John Tracy Clinic from 1961-1968. Her exceptional talents and belief in the methods purported by the John Tracy Clinic were recognized as she then became a member of their teacher training staff in 1968. As a member of the USC faculty, she was a valued lecturer, teacher and author. Upon her retirement in 1986, she was Head of the teacher training department at the John Tracy Clinic, a co-author of their teacher training manual, and a respected expert in her field. Her long standing friendships with her colleagues and students remained constant throughout the many remaining years of her life. Retirement for Sammie Kay meant that she now had more time for family, travel, and charitable service. She was a member of the San Marino Women's Club and the San Marino Guild for the Huntington Hospital. She actively volunteered at Huntington Memorial Hospital organizing and leading their New Mother Orientation Program for ten years, and then as loyal member of the Gift Shop staff. In total, Sammie Kay volunteered at the hospital for 24 years. She also enjoyed her involvement as a docent at the Huntington Library in San Marino. Sammie Kay loved USC football and traveling to interesting and exotic locations. She spent many happy times with her family at their second home in Mammoth Lakes, and had a deep love for nature, children and animals. She was as beautiful inside as she was on the outside, and was possessed of a quiet love and kindness that will never be forgotten. Sammie Kay is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Jerald H. Skatvold, her beloved daughter, Andrea Barnes (Mammoth Lakes), and her cherished step-children Jeffrey Skatvold (Big Bear), David Skatvold (Seattle), and Nancy Delaney (El Monte), six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter, and her sweet black Labrador. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her three sisters and one brother.
Interment will be privately held at the Mount Ararat Cemetery in Fresno, California. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at a later date by invitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to either; Huntington Memorial Hospital, or the Huntington Library. The family of Sammie Kay Skatvold wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of Huntington Memorial Hospital for their expertise and compassionate care.