Submitted by the family
WINDSOR, CONN. — Barbara Ann (Skolnick) Eliot, 91, of Windsor, beloved wife of 57 years to the late Marvin Eliot, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Barbara was born on May 28, 1932, in New Haven, Conn., one of two children to Sam and Ida (Krall) Skolnick.
Barbara grew up in New Haven and Stamford, Conn., attended local schools and was a graduate of Stamford High School, Class of 1950. Following graduation, she continued her education earning a degree in fashion design from the Parsons School of Design in New York City. There she was awarded two Golden Thimbles, the highest honor given at the school. Barbara was exceptionally pleased to have had the opportunity to travel all over Europe after finishing school, and then to work for a time in the fashion industry. Back home in Connecticut, she reconnected with the love of her life, Marvin. They then married and began their family together. Barbara was employed with the Stamford public school system, as a teacher’s aide; was a docent for the Stamford Public Library; and also was the owner/operator of “B’s Wax Candle Shop” in Stamford.
After she and Marvin relocated to Windsor, they founded “Pottles and Pannikins,” antique dealers specializing in early American iron for the hearth. They were extremely well known among antiques dealers and collectors throughout the Northeast. Barbara described herself as a shy individual yet made friends everywhere she went. She loved to read, to do crafting and knitting; was an accomplished painter in a variety of styles, an expert seamstress; and enjoyed attending the theater. Earlier in life, she was a member of Hadassah and B’nai Brith; as she pursued her art and painting, she became an active member of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration. Barbara’s passing will leave a void in the hearts of many, but her smile, personality and memory will be cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.
Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Lori Jayne Eliot of Windsor and Karen Eliot-Ralbovsky and her husband John of Stamford; her two grandchildren, Sam Eliot Ralbovsky and his wife Maycillia of Easton and Kate Valentine Ralbovsky of New York City; her three great-grandchildren, Eliot, Morgan and Taylor; her sister-in-law Erdine Skolnick of Las Vegas; her niece Marci Skolnick, also of Las Vegas, as well as other friends and extended family. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Richard Skolnick.
Funeral services for Barbara took place on Tuesday, June 20; she was buried next to her husband in B’Nai Tikvoh-Sholom Cemetery, Windsor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Windsor Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 508, Windsor, CT 06095. To leave an online message of condolence for her family, www.carmonfuneralhome.com.
