Obituary for Mary Snowdon
Mary Snowdon, age 85 years, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
Mary was born in Winkler, MB and raised on the family farm south of Mather, as the oldest of eight children to Peter and Barbara Martens. Mary began her education at a country school called Graham School and later attended Sinkerville School, then high school in Cartwright, where she graduated.
After completing her education, Mary began her professional journey as a telephone operator, before transitioning to nurse's aide. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Gerald Snowdon. Mary and Gerald were married and became co-operators of the family dairy and grain farm, also devoting themselves to raising their four energetic children. Later on, Mary worked in Rivers, where she made fiberglass boats. Following their move to Brandon, she took on the role of accountant and organizer in the repair shop her husband operated with their sons, Michael and Jamie.
Mary had a green thumb and loved spending time in her garden, nurturing the plants and flowers. She was also known for her culinary skills and enjoyed cooking for guests on the farm and those who visited their repair shop. Mary had a fondness for cats and dogs and cherished spending time outdoors.
Mary was an active member of her community and belonged to the Oak River and Hamiota Lioness, where she found fulfillment in giving back and making a positive impact.
Mary's greatest joy in life was her family. She raised four children with love and care, and took immense pride in their accomplishments. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always welcomed updates on their achievements.
Mary will be lovingly remembered by her son Robert (Tanis) Snowdon, grandson Aaron (Alana) Snowdon, grandson Ashlin (Ann) and great grandchildren Abigale and Archer Snowden, granddaughter Ainsley (Jonathan) and great grandchildren Koa and Kane Yamashita; daughter-in-law Rene and grandson Ryker Snowdon; daughter Cindy (Darcy) Chateau, granddaughter Stacy (Josh) and great grandson Kiefer Bileski, granddaughter Crystal and great granddaughter Zoey Chateau, granddaughter Amanda (Bryan) and great grandsons Noah, Austin and Avery Bechard; son Michael Snowdon; one sister, five brothers and their spouses; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her spouse Gerald Snowdon, son James “Jamie” Snowdon, sister Anne Sawatzky, nieces Michelle and Mica and nephew Doug.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. R. Fourie, Dr. Zhang, and the nursing staff for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Mary.
The Celebration of Mary’s Life will take place at Memories Chapel, 330 – 18th Street North, Brandon on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception. Private interment will take place at the Brandon Cemetery with pallbearers Crystal Chateau, Amanda Bechard, Josh Bileski, Aaron Snowdon, Jim Moggack and Herman Martens.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Westman Hospice, Box 20002, Brandon, MB R7A 6YB or Canadian Cancer Society, #3, 510 Sargent Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1V8.
Mary was born in Winkler, MB and raised on the family farm south of Mather, as the oldest of eight children to Peter and Barbara Martens. Mary began her education at a country school called Graham School and later attended Sinkerville School, then high school in Cartwright, where she graduated.
After completing her education, Mary began her professional journey as a telephone operator, before transitioning to nurse's aide. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Gerald Snowdon. Mary and Gerald were married and became co-operators of the family dairy and grain farm, also devoting themselves to raising their four energetic children. Later on, Mary worked in Rivers, where she made fiberglass boats. Following their move to Brandon, she took on the role of accountant and organizer in the repair shop her husband operated with their sons, Michael and Jamie.
Mary had a green thumb and loved spending time in her garden, nurturing the plants and flowers. She was also known for her culinary skills and enjoyed cooking for guests on the farm and those who visited their repair shop. Mary had a fondness for cats and dogs and cherished spending time outdoors.
Mary was an active member of her community and belonged to the Oak River and Hamiota Lioness, where she found fulfillment in giving back and making a positive impact.
Mary's greatest joy in life was her family. She raised four children with love and care, and took immense pride in their accomplishments. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always welcomed updates on their achievements.
Mary will be lovingly remembered by her son Robert (Tanis) Snowdon, grandson Aaron (Alana) Snowdon, grandson Ashlin (Ann) and great grandchildren Abigale and Archer Snowden, granddaughter Ainsley (Jonathan) and great grandchildren Koa and Kane Yamashita; daughter-in-law Rene and grandson Ryker Snowdon; daughter Cindy (Darcy) Chateau, granddaughter Stacy (Josh) and great grandson Kiefer Bileski, granddaughter Crystal and great granddaughter Zoey Chateau, granddaughter Amanda (Bryan) and great grandsons Noah, Austin and Avery Bechard; son Michael Snowdon; one sister, five brothers and their spouses; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her spouse Gerald Snowdon, son James “Jamie” Snowdon, sister Anne Sawatzky, nieces Michelle and Mica and nephew Doug.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. R. Fourie, Dr. Zhang, and the nursing staff for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Mary.
The Celebration of Mary’s Life will take place at Memories Chapel, 330 – 18th Street North, Brandon on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception. Private interment will take place at the Brandon Cemetery with pallbearers Crystal Chateau, Amanda Bechard, Josh Bileski, Aaron Snowdon, Jim Moggack and Herman Martens.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Westman Hospice, Box 20002, Brandon, MB R7A 6YB or Canadian Cancer Society, #3, 510 Sargent Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1V8.