Josephine "Jo" Snowden

Josephine "Jo" (Zarli) Snowden, 90, formerly of East Berlin, passed away June 2, 2013 after complications from a simple medical procedure. Born Oct. 26, 1922 in Natick, R.I. to Vincenza (Triangelo) and Nicandro Zarli, she was the widow of De Wilton (Bill) Snowden.

Jo graduated from Cranston High School and Edgewood Secretarial School. During 'the war', she worked for the American Red Cross at which time she met Bill who was stationed at the Newport, R.I. Naval Yard. The two married and Jo became a Navy wife until 1955, when they settled in East Berlin. Josephine was the proud mother of three children on whom she unceasingly and unselfishly devoted her energy.

Jo was a world traveler, visiting the likes of the American National Parks, Russia, Europe, Iceland and Australia. Not your typical tourist, she slept in a grass hut in Fiji and a dormitory while attending classes at the University of Hawaii. Her other interests included reading, knitting and pressed flower creations. She was concerned with national and local politics, as well as Berlin history. She was a member of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, the Berlin Art League, Berlin Historical Society, Red Hatters' Society and the New Britain YWCA and YMCA. Following the death of her husband, Bill, Jo lived independently in her big house, swam five days a week and could be seen driving her yellow Mini Cooper throughout the area.

Josephine leaves her children and their spouses, Mayo and Jim Chase of Berlin, Mike and Mil Snowden of Bethlehem and Mary Beth and Ted Hrubiec of Berlin; grandchildren and their spouses Erik Snowden and Sue Beckley, Todd and Keri Snowden, Willie Snowden, and Andrew and Elizabeth Hrubiec; great-grandchildren Brett, Emma, Meredith, Roxanne, Shelby and Colt Snowden. Jo was predeceased by a brother, Michael.

Services were held June 6, 2013 at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, East Berlin. Memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross, 97 Broad Street, Middletown, 06457, or Saint Gabriel's Church, 68 Main Street, East Berlin, 06023. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com.