Abigail Lynn Skinner

Abigail (Abby) Lynn Skinner, 43, of Erie, PA and formerly of Sugar Grove, PA, passed away unexpectedly on May 11, 2023, at her home.

She was born in Warren, PA on April 5, 1980, a daughter to the late Charles L. (Chooch) Skinner and Chris (Hemingway) Fehlman, who survives her, of Youngsville, PA. Abby graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1998 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University and then her master’s degree in Technical Writing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). 

In her most recent employment as a Grant Writer for the Department of Economic and Community Development in the city of Erie, Abby contributed greatly to obtaining over $80 million in grant funding for the city. She loved her work and was passionate about the revitalization of Erie. Previously she was director of grants and research at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership; she was previously employed also by the Warren Times Observer and the Historical Society of Warren.

Abby was instrumental in the start and organization of the Kinzua Heritage Arts and Music Festival held every year in Russell, PA. The 18th year of this festival will be held in August 2023.

Abby enjoyed walking her dogs, Luke and Ruby, whom she rescued from a local shelter. She had a true passion for animals. She also loved cooking, camping, canoeing and spending time outdoors.

In addition to her mother, Abby is survived by her sister, Samantha Skinner of Sugar Grove, PA; her brother, Michael Hemingway of CA; a niece, Alexis Welch, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A private burial is planned at the Foster Cemetery in Farmington Township where she will be laid to rest with her father, Charles Skinner and her paternal grandparents, K. Dale and Marion Skinner. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 24th at 3pm at the Kinzua Heritage Arts & Music Festival, 4047 Fox Hill Rd, Russell, PA 16345. Chicken BBQ and sandwich meats will be served starting at 3:00 until gone. Water and soda will be provided. Bring a dish to pass as Abby loved other people's cooking, BYOB and a chair. Some chairs will be provided. Overnight camping is available for anyone who would like to stay. Bring a tent, camper or sleep under the stars. Tom Malone will be DJ’ing and have karaoke available. Dress is casual, we are keeping it simple as Abby wanted. Feel free to bring a guitar or other instruments to play by the fireside. Abby loved music! Memorial donations may be made to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 E. 10th St, Erie, PA 16511.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be madeat nelsonfuneralhome.net.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Abigail Lynn Skinner, please visit our floral store.