Mary Snoeyenbos

The extraordinary life of Mary Snoeyenbos came to an end on May 28, 2016. Mary’s life was rich and her adventures were many. As a child living in central Wisconsin, she enjoyed summers at the lakes and winters of ice skating. Mary was beautiful both inside and out, and was the queen of festivals and the high school drum major. She graduated from Stout State University but not before falling in love with Gordon Snoeyenbos recently graduated from Northwestern University. They married and moved to Decatur, IL. Mary taught school then became a mother, a family manager, and a woman of great energy and many accomplishments. She was always excited to explore new life opportunities including moving the family to the Caribbean island of Nevis for a time. Settling on a farm in rural Decatur, Mary led the family through the exhausting transformation of the old house and fields into a country estate. Always busy and living life, Mary enjoyed working outside as much as she loved hosting parties for family and her many, many friends. She was a patron of the arts and loved music and dancing. She participated on many boards, advocated for Planned Parenthood Breast Cancer Awareness, and most recently volunteered at the 510 Gallery and DMH thrift shop. Perhaps the most stimulating of all experiences was Mary’s adventures with Gordon to far-flung corners of the world. They climbed Mt. Everest to base camp, took a 4-week African safari, hiked New Zealand, and more. Mary lived the life she loved. Mary Rudow Snoeyenbos was born January 5, 1927 in Menomonie, WI, youngest of three children of Henry and Eva (White) Rudow. She married Gordon Earl Snoeyenbos (deceased) January 29, 1949. They had three children: Sue Massie (husband Kent), Roy Snoeyenbos, and Jon Snoeyenbos (wife Susie). After some years of patient waiting, they had two granddaughters: Anna Marie Massie now a veterinarian at UC Davis and Sara Jo Snoeyenbos soon to study nursing in Florida.Mary could be honored with a memorial and/or volunteer service to a favorite charity. A celebration of her life will be held on July 16 at their country home. "
}