Renata Elizabeth Skechak - Simonds Obituary (1969 - 2024)

Renata Elizabeth Skechak (Simonds) March 16, 1969 - April 9, 2024. Renata unexpectedly, yet peacefully, passed at the age of 55 in her home in Gig Harbor, Washington on April 9, 2024. Renata was born in Rapid City, South Dakota to parents Earl and Donna Lee Skechak, and grew up in Lakewood, Washington as the youngest of 4 siblings. Renata believed that family was the most important thing in life, which was demonstrated in how close she was with her four siblings, niece, parents, two children, and partner. Renata found passion in fashion early in her life, working in retail when she was 16, and moving to New York City to become an Au Pair and be near the fashion industry. She later managed at Nordstrom, went to phlebotomy school, and used her love for fitness to become a spin instructor where she developed personally structured classes and motivating playlists. In 1993, Renata married her first husband, Gus Simonds. They had two children, Madison, and Colton, who immediately became the center of her life. She became a full-time mother, tireless in ensuring the most optimal wellbeing, happiness, development, and education for her children. She participated enthusiastically in all school and extracurricular activities, very directly supporting and fostering a strong community for her children. She had a natural motherly instinct and wanted to be as involved as possible in her children's lives. As an incredibly loving and affectionate mother, she created the best childhood that Madison and Colton could have asked for. Renata proudly fostered a cozy and welcoming home where she loved to entertain, host holidays, and share meals with family and friends. She had an open-door policy for the neighborhood kids and friends of her children; Always a jar of candy on the counter or a sandwich (with one bite taken out) and a place to sleep available. Renata's generous heart extended to family pets, allowing cats that just showed up at her door to move right on in, practically having a mini farm! Renata later met her soulmate and the love of her life Randy, with whom she spent the last ten years of her life. She found a strong connection with Randy through their love for fitness, shared sense of humor, and the natural kindness they showed to everyone they knew. Renata and Randy created a beautiful life making friends wherever they went - or at home, as they knew every person who lived in their neighborhood. It is clear that they both enjoyed reflecting on the simple joys of life, and finding the bright light in the everyday. Together, they shared hundreds of laughs, dreams, and a strong, loving partnership. Renata believed strongly in the importance of family traditions and creating meaningful memories, planning trips to California, Mexico, Costa Rica, and around the states. She had an open heart, believing that travelling would ensure the values of love and acceptance were instilled in her children, and she often made lifelong friends with those she met on her adventures. Her favorite trips to boast about included volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Africa with Colton, and in Vietnam with Maddy, as well as a trip to the DR with Randy and to Jordan on a medical mission. Renata cherished meaningful friendships that she often maintained over many years. She truly treasured the special birthday outings, long phone calls catching up, and get-togethers with her friends. She enjoyed retelling old stories from growing up, and sharing new ones that still had a hint of mischief that she never really grew out of. She could make new friends as quick as a walk around the room and was fiercely loyal to those she cared for. Renata was a caretaker true to the word and loved to help others whenever she could from volunteering at the Seattle Children's Hospital, to delivering her garden's lettuce to neighbors. Renata had her own special sense of humor, dry with sarcasm and whit, often at your expense if you dared. This humor was easily expressed in her big smile and a sudden laugh that once it began, would pour out of her. She was a beautiful, thoughtful, and charismatic soul that loved her family and friends deeply. Her heart was so full of love, never afraid to express it with a big hug and a "Love you". We will cherish the precious memories we have with her and forever carry her in our hearts. Renata is survived by partner Randy; daughter Madison Simonds, son Colton Simonds, brother Andrew Skechak, niece Traie Van Wettering (Brad), cousin Devon Skechak, and cousin Pheonix Zammarchi; Preceded by mother Donna Lee Skechak, nephew Scott Latham, sister Nikki Lee Latham (David), sister Paris Zammarchi (William), uncle Eugene Russell, grandmother Ellen Peake, and father Earl Skechak. Donations in Renata's memory can be made to "Seattle Children's Guild Association"