Joan White Snively
SCARBOROUGH – Joan White Snively, 87, peacefully passed away in her sleep on March 5, 2019 at her home in Piper Shores in Maine surrounded by her children. Joan was born on July 26, 1931 in Gardner, Massachusetts, the daughter of George Edmund and Olive Rodgers White.
Joan was married to Abram Barr ‘Cub’ Snively, III, who predeceased her at the age of 75 in 2003. Joan accepted Cub’s request for her hand in marriage on their second date and were married on June 12, 1954 in Summit, NJ for a wonderful and adventurous 49 years of marriage.
Joan attended Colby Junior College in NH and received a degree in Commercial Science in 1951. Upon graduation, Joan and a friend took the opportunity to explore and tour Europe on bicycle which is one of many highlights in her life. She then accepted a position to work for the CIA in Washington, DC which is where she met her husband, Cub.
Cub was a US Naval Academy graduate who served our country full term as a US Navy Commander pilot followed by a corporate position where he flew jets until the age of 62. Joan and Cub enjoyed the many wonderful opportunities that Cub’s military and civilian flying career offered them. They lived in over 20 different homes throughout their marriage across numerous states throughout the country but they always shared a special fondness toward New England. Many of Joan’s and Cub’s favorite memories were established with their children during summer and winter vacations spent at their cottages on Great Island in Lake Sunapee and their cottage in Croydon, NH. She was an outdoor enthusiast and adored to keep the family active with downhill and cross country skiing, skating, boating, swimming, hiking, golf and tennis.
Joan’s lifelong love and passion was to her husband and to her six children: Robert Snively (Marcia) of Fremont, New Hampshire, who predeceased her December 2017; Scott Snively (Vickie) of Tuscon, Arizona; Gail Eaton (Scott) of Auburn, Maine; Todd Snively of Santa Barbara, California; John Snively of Lisbon, Maine; and Dianne Lynch (George) of Powell, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.
Although Joan was busy raising six children, she always made time to serve others through various organizations through her church and local hospital. She enjoyed women’s Bible study and singing in her church choir. Her favorite hymns included The Old Rugged Cross and Almighty Father Strong to Save, which has strong ties to the Navy. Joan was an avid reader and her favorite book was the Holy Bible.
A memorial service will be held this spring, date to be determined, at the US Naval Academy Columbarium where she will be laid to rest alongside of her husband in Annapolis, Maryland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com