Van Skaik, Carla's Obituary
Carla Veirs Van Skaik, age 77, of Dade City, FL passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025. She was born December 20, 1947, in Washington, DC to Sue Virginia and Hugh Carlton Veirs. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband of 49 years, Albert Lorenz Van Skaik. Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Jenny Lynn Eberhard, sister-in-law, Margaret Van Skaik Marsico, many friends, and coworkers. Carla led a life of service to others, loved her family and friends, displaying this purity, honesty and compassion daily. A great life begins with adversity. When just six years old she survived a lion attack. Visiting a family friend, who kept a male and female lion for exhibitions and carnival attractions, Carla agreed to enter the lion cage accompanied by her father. The male lion swiped at her, then closed his mouth over Carla’s face. She was freed from the lion’s grasp but required almost 200 stitches to repair her wounds, missing a year of school for her recovery. An animal lover to the end, Carla always had a faithful pet by her side. She graduated with Honors from the University of South Florida. Very detail oriented and a personal commitment to exceed expectations, she strived to improve herself, her knowledge, and value for her business or those she worked. Her employment history included airline litigator, licensed insurance agent, and college instructor, finishing her career in cybersecurity as an analyst. Her most fulfilling and important job was as a wife and business partner to her husband Al. They ran several businesses and the corporation, CSVS, Inc. She shared her husband’s passion for vintage automobiles, classic car restoration, nautical antiques, and collecting fine items from her husband’s many travels. She was his greatest advocate and supporter. In his final days, Carla sacrificed her health to provide around the clock care for him in his battle with dementia and failing health. She also provided comfort and bedside care for her grandmother, mother, father, and aunt during their final days. Unspoken, this was Carla’s greatest gift, she always put the needs of others before her own . . . one person caring about another represents life’s greatest value. She was a model of selflessness, integrity, beauty, and loyalty. God broke the mold when creating Carla, she lived a life of dignity, sacrifice, and faith, striving for perfection to benefit the wellbeing of all those around her. She will be missed.
Please honor Carla’s memory with her wish regarding no service. Just remember her and her friendship. For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.
This a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart.
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me but let me go.
What’s your fondest memory of Carla?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carla?
Share a story where Carla's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carla you’ll never forget.
How did Carla make you smile?