Alison L. Skillings

PORTLAND – Alison L. Skillings, 90, died peacefully on the morning of April 17, 2025 at The Cedars in Portland. She was the first of three children born to Arthur Libby and Adrienne Collins on Oct. 13, 1934, in Lewiston.

Alison grew up in Cape Elizabeth where she attended Gorham State Teachers College after graduating from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1954. She lived briefly in Kentucky after marrying in 1957 and returned to Maine after the birth of the first two of her three children. Alison lived the rest of her life largely in the Meeting House Hill area of South Portland where she was well known and loved by many.

Alison was a woman of great heart, spirit, generosity, and humor. She was a strong advocate for those less able as shown by her commitment to inclusion for her oldest son, Jeff, who was born with an intellectual disability Alison joined parent groups and boards at Woodford Family Services, Resources for the Developmentally Disabled, and Community Partners to ensure Jeff and others were welcomed into their communities. She volunteered her time and energies towards this mission for many decades. While raising her three children, Alison worked at several jobs with the most notable being Sears Catalog for over 20 years. In her later years, she volunteered at Children’s Museum where her outgoing nature and love for children shone. While Alison lived most of her life only less than a mile from her childhood home, her circle of friends was wide and her positive impact far reaching.

Alison is survived by her sons, Jeffrey and Brian, daughter Julia, and grandson, Sam. Each holds her close in heart and memory with gratitude for her constant support. Alison also is lovingly remembered by her sister, Ann along with many cousins, nephews, nieces and close friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Alan, and prior spouse, John Skillings.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Cedars who supported Alison during her short stay after living independently for 89 years while lovingly caring for her disabled son, Jeff.

A graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

If you wish to

commemorate Alison,

donations can be made to:

Pine Tree Society in Scarborough and

Spurwink in Portland