Mildred Kathryn (Finnegan) Snowden (99) passed away peacefully at her home in Ventura, California on Monday, April 27, 2015.
Mildred was born on August 3, 1915 in Louisville, New York, daughter of Albert and Margaret Finnegan. Growing up in upstate New York, she graduated from Madrid High School in 1932 and earned a teaching degree from Potsdam Normal School, now know as the State University of New York at Potsdam, in 1936.
For 8 years she taught in New York State, followed by working for the Federal Government in the Departments of War and Civil Service. In August 1946 Mildred married U.S. Army Captain Jesse O. Smith and in 1948 they moved to Visalia, California. Jessie passed away unexpectedly in 1955.
Upon moving to California Mildred earned an additional degree from Fresno State University, teaching for additional 12 years at the elementary level in Farmersville, California, where she met her second husband, George Snowden. Upon her retirement in 1960, she and George moved to the seaside community of Ventura, California.
Mildred cherished her students and said that watching them grow and learn gave her much pleasure. She enjoyed playing in various bridge groups, going out with friends, and traveling to places such as Alaska, Ireland, Panama, Vatican City and many more. Mildred had a soft spot in her heart for animals and did her part to give "Forever Homes" to a few dogs and cats down on their luck. She was a passionate fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers and enjoyed watching Notre Dame football and the major golf tournaments. Most of all, she loved her family. She enjoyed hearing about everyones’ lives and looking at the constant flow of photos sent from her loving family.
Mildred loved California, and though she had been away for many, many years, the small town of Madrid in northern NY was always home to her.
Mildred was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, where she volunteered with Caregivers and Family to Family and was a former member of the San Buenaventura Women's Club.
Mildred was preceded in death by her first husband, Jessie O. Smith, in 1955 and later by her second husband, George Snowden, in 1981; her brothers Howard, Walter, Lloyd; and sisters Mary, Helen, Ruth and Leona.
She is survived by her sister, Frances Hackett of Ogdensburg, NY, and brother, John “Jack” Lawrence of Canton, NY, along with several nieces and nephews.
The last 10 years of Mildred’s life were blessed by having Joseph Antigo as her beloved caregiver. The entire family would like to extend their heartfelt love and thanks to him for the wonderful care he gave to Mildred. A special thank you to Dr. Robert Moffatt and staff for their years of kindness and caring and to Roze Room Hospice for their comforting support in her final months.
A funeral service to celebrate Mildred’s life will be planned in the future at the convenience of the family.
Donations in Mildred’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or Roze Room Hospice, 5675 Ralston Street, Suite C, Ventura CA 93003.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.