Mary Louise Snedeker

MARY LOUISE SNEDEKER
On May 31, 2008, just as bird songs were welcoming a new day, Mary Louise Snedeker set aside the struggles of failing health and began a new life with God. It was a blessing that as Mary Louise departed, she was surrounded by loving family.
Given to us on January 11, 1941, Mary Louise was the daughter of John Edward Snedeker, Jr. (deceased) and Mary Jane Snedeker (LaVerkin, Utah). In addition to her wonderful mother, Mary Louise is survived by two very special sons, John A. Fish of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and Peter D. Fish (Michelle) of Trumansburg, New York. Mary Louise is also survived by four siblings, Cheryl A. Borden (Joseph) of Hurricane, Utah, Robert F. Snedeker (Cheryl) of Trumansburg, NY, Terrence L. Snedeker (Stephanie) of Dryden, NY, and Patricia J. Midgley (Jorg) of Ithaca, NY. Mary Louise also has five grandchildren, Michael, Nicole, Heather, Krista, and Elias; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In her life, Mary Louise's great joys focused on family and friends. She was most happy when family was together in one place, sharing meals, laughing and playing cards. She would challenge anyone to a game of cards, especially Euchre and Mexican Train.
She also loved sports, and cheered loudly for the Brooklyn Dodgers, NASCAR's #88 car, and the Dallas Cowboys. In quiet moments, Mary Louise read many books.
Mary Louise's creativity was extraordinary. For weddings, baby showers and other special occasions, Mary Louise was not content to purchase an item in a store. She always presented a gift which was created from the heart and made with her hands. Mary Louise will always be renowned for her crochet and crafting skills.
When we reflect on Mary Louise's strong character, we admire her because she did not judge other people, and she had a way of making any person feel instantly at ease. She loved infants, toddlers and teenagers. A crying child fell comfortably asleep in her arms or on her lap, soothed by her loving embrace.
Mary Louise had lived in Texas, Florida, and New York. Wherever she lived, Mary Louise was an advocate for those who struggled with life's hardships. She devoted time with Teen Challenge and she had been a caseworker with the Equal Opportunity Corporation in Ithaca. Besides raising her two sons, Mary Louise was a safe haven for those in foster care.
This last year of Mary Louise's life was especially heartwarming for her because she was able to see her entire family together in one place. We will always miss the way she encouraged each of us to do our best and to stick together as family and friends.
The family of Mary Louise is grateful to many people. We thank the residents and staff of Titus Towers for the friendships and laughter they gave to Mary Louise. We also thank the nurses and doctors of Cayuga Medical Center's intensive care unit. Mary Louise received phenomenal care and the staff was very gracious to family and friends. Additionally, we are grateful to the 4th floor nurses and nurse aides of CMC. Their care was excellent and they were very sensitive to family emotions. Finally, our family is very appreciative for the pastoral care and prayers during Mary Louise's final hours with family.
A Memorial Service, officiated by Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey, will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 16, at Titus Towers, 798 S. Plain St., Ithaca. To honor Mary Louise's life, you may send flowers to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home in Trumansburg. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be given to the Make A Wish Foundation or to a local library. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.
"When you face the death of someone you love,
"Hold tight to the outstretched hand of God with one hand,
"And gently let go of your loved one with the other."