Marilyn Snell Obituary

To all my cousins and their families,
I was so heart broken to hear that my Aunt Marilyn had passed away. My initial thoughts were of my cousins, her children, whom from my perception were her whole life. I immediately wanted to reach out to them and offer my support and sympathy for your loss. One of our favorite memories of Aunt Marilyn was how much she looked like Jackie Kennedy, (although I think she was a little prettier than Jackie).
Dave and I really wished we could have been In Chicago with all of you today. But I know you have each other and alot of loving family around to help you through this difficult time. Keep in touch and know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Susan, Dave, Michael
and Ryan Barthel

Night before last I found myself looking through my closet, noticing articles of clothing I had not in some time. Nice clothes, new clothes with tags on them, my everyday work clothes and some maternity items I haven’t been able to part with. Oh Marilyn, what should I wear that would make you proud? I sat there on my bed staring into the all familiar rows of clothes and I was stumped. Holding a silly little St. Patrick’s Day card in my hand, shaking my head at her thoughtfulness yet again, flash’s of my dear friend and her never-ending wardrobe, beautiful smile and infectious laugh kept me as still as a rock. To say disbelief at her passing would be an understatement.

I managed to put something together; something simple…pondered a scarf around my neck in her memory but just couldn’t get it right. She had tried for years to teach me the art of looking and feeling good with a little bit of “flare” about the neck. Oh well…here I go off to the reality of remembrance lane. Only the difference is I’m skipping because I was blessed to be a part of a truly wonderful woman’s life.

The tiny tokens of friendship throughout the years started twelve years ago when we first met at Wanger. She was the first person I shook hands with before my interview and the last person that patted me on the hand complete with a big smile and “Honey, don’t worry”. I knew then I really wanted to be her friend. I really wanted the job!

Our friendship just blossomed as we bonded and shared life stores and work related issues over the years. She was easy to love, tough as nails and sweet as honey. I held her in my heart as you would your favorite aunt…the one that unconditionally loved you and allowed you to do all those things your mother wouldn’t! She filled an emptiness in me that I had by leaving my family, especially my mother and aunt’s in Arizona as a newlywed. I was absorbed in her family stories and pictures and photo albums. We would laugh sometimes so hard, as girlfriends do, that we would have to leave each other and pick up the conversation later.

I really can’t help but continue to think of all the funny things like when she would be talking and the intercom was still on or her laugh or when she would roll her eyes and say, “I KNOW…” She would photocopy articles for me that I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why. But it was important for her that I have them. How she was constantly on my case when I was pregnant with my twins, Ainsley and Harrison. She would pick up the phone and call my mother to tattle on me saying I wasn’t resting enough. She could always make me laugh even through the rough times and there were several years there without a silver-lining.

I will miss her friendship terribly yet I am so thankful too have been a part of her life for so many years. I will start working on my wardrobe, renew my makeup, send cards for no reason and always have a large space in my heart for my dear friend.

Last night I finally was able to share stories with her family. Put names with faces. I am forever thankful for the opportunity and saddened at the thought that I will not any longer hear about her family, the accomplishment’s of her grandchildren, the trial’s and joy’s of her own children…

I so loved our Marilyn and her beautiful family. I pray that you, her children, Bob and all of her beloved grandchildren continue to smile, laugh and find joy in your life and by the “little” things you do to show each other the love your mother fed and nurtured in you.

In friendship,

Jolene and the Grube Family…Nick, Ainsley and Harrison

I was extremely saddened when I heard the very sad news about my especially dear friend, Marilyn. As WAM’s receptionist, I first met Marilyn 14 years ago when she greeted me when I arrived for a job interview. She was so friendly and welcoming, that I immediately had a good feeling about the company and hoped that I would get the job (which I did)! After that initial meeting, I knew Marilyn & I would be friends for life. I had only chatted with her for about five minutes, until the interview began, but I felt like I had known her my whole life. She was so down-to-earth and genuine. Our treasured friendship grew closer through the years. Marilyn was one of the most thoughtful, caring, kindest, compassionate, selfless, helpful, and generous people anyone could have ever met. Not only did she have a zest for life and living, but she, herself, was full of life and always lived it to the fullest. Her enthusiasm was contagious. She brightened everyone’s life she came into contact with, with her sweet smile and her bubbly personality. She was always so happy. Her spirit touched everyone.

Marilyn was always so proud of her beloved family and I loved seeing pictures of them and hearing stories about them. She always had such a wonderful family life and I always admired that. Marilyn loved her family and friends dearly and they all loved her very much in return. I will miss her so much. I will miss the beautiful cards she would always send for no reason, other than just to say Hello. She was the greatest friend. She was taken way before her time, but she will never be forgotten.

My deepest condolences to Marilyn’s family and friends. I hope you can find comfort in your cherished memories of her. She would have wanted us to celebrate her life. My deepest sympathy, Annmarie Mastro & Family