Obituary

Bonnie M Snedden, 83, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri was reunited in heaven with her soul mate on January 17, 2019. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 26, 2019, 10am, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 1800 MO-150, Lees Summit, MO. Visitation will be held Friday, January 25, 2019, from 6-8, at Langsford Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Giovanna Rose Wilson to Band of Parents P.O Box 335, Dewittville, NY 14728, www.bandofparents.org , a grassroots, nonprofit organization that funds innovative research and clinical trials for neuroblastoma, helping increase the survival rate for this childhood cancer. Band of Parents is the top independent backer of neuroblastoma research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) where Giovanna is treated, or Candlelighters, NYC, 345 E 73^rd #2L, New York, NY 10021, www.candlelightersnyc.org, an organization dedicated to helping families get through the difficult times when a child is diagnosed with and being treated for cancer. CandlelightersNYC has been there for Giovanna and family every step of the way.

Bonnie was born on April 20, 1935. Her sister, Corrine was 8 years older and said her life was never the same after Bonnie was born. Bonnie was a mischievous child and kept everyone on their toes, including her future husband. Bonnie and Tom met in 1950 and it was love at first sight for Tommy. Bonnie wasn’t so easily convinced. When she almost lost him to appendicitis, she realized she never wanted to live without him. She said over the years she realized how very rare their love was and how blessed she was to have found her soul mate. They were united in marriage on May 3, 1952 and had a Godly marriage filled with love, respect, intense connection, security and protection, forgiveness, resilience in times of adversity, deep affection, compromise, self-awareness, patience, oneness and endless passion. With that “passion” came 5 children that kept their lives very busy yet they always managed to find time for each other.

Bonnie devoted her life to her family and community. She met many people and found lasting relationships. She was an avid reader, always keeping abreast of current events in the world. She was a determined and capable woman that took on life with unwavering ambition, integrity and effortless grace. She was a woman of strong will and faith. She and Tommy were members of several clubs at church over the years. She believed if you live your life by the 10 commandments and never stray, then your life would be good and true.

Bonnie kept her faith rather private but dedicated. Even on Chiefs game days. You knew it was Chiefs Sunday when she got there early to secure her seat right by the door so she could make a fast exit to get to Arrowhead in time for the flyover. They loved their Chiefs and were there rain or shine. She never wanted to miss a game and never lost faith that they would one day win another Superbowl.

Bonnie kept active in her children’s activities serving as den mother for the boys, girl scout leader for Cindy, room mother for all, volunteering at school and making sure they were cultured taking advantage of any activities or events she thought would appeal to kids.

Bonnie and Tommy kept an active social calendar of their own with friends, neighbors and family. Bonnie was moved by music and had it playing all day long while she went about her day. She could be found on most days in the kitchen singing while she cooked whatever delicious meal she was preparing for dinner or for entertaining her girlfriends for “club”.  Bonnie was a member of Pitch Club and Giddy Girls for many years. She found great satisfaction and joy in entertaining, cooking and most of all baking for her friends and family.

Holidays were never a casual affair. They were grand and fill us all with so many wonderful memories. Her passion for holidays lives on in her children and her “other babies” Bonnie said the most rewarding time of her life was the many years she babysat. She loved her babysitting kids and it showed in her dedication to them. Her influence on these young lives can still be seen today. She was a passionate supporter of them throughout their lives and enjoyed keeping in touch, celebrating their accomplishments and admiring the families they made.

Bonnie was a child at heart, always playing and looking for fun. Maybe that is why she enjoyed children so much. She was forever seeking an opponent for a card game or her favorite game, Scrabble. She was legendary for cheating but her charm and desserts kept us all coming back for more. The conversation was always captivating and if you were paying attention you never left a game without learning a thing or two from her. When she could no longer see to do the crosswords, play cards or Scrabble, she still found ways to play. She said “playing is the thing in life that too many adults forget to do.” At 83, without hesitation she would get down on the floor to play with Giuliana and Giovanna. They would get lost in those moments together. Moments the girls will never forget.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Florence; sister, Corrine; an infant son; son Shannon Snedden; daughter, Cynthia Snedden; and husband Thomas Snedden. Survivors include sons, Scott Snedden and Shawn (Karen) Snedden; daughter, Rachel (Ryan) Wilson; grandchildren, Andrew and Lauren Snedden, Giuliana and Giovanna Wilson. She also leaves behind her many “babies” she cared for and loved dearly as her own.

We are forever grateful for the love, joy and infinite life skills she instilled into us and we are comforted that she will always be with us in our memories and hearts. She told us she never intended to live this long. She said her life had been full and she considered every moment with Giuliana and Giovanna a blessing. Now that she could no longer be independent and do as she pleased, she was ready to leave this body and looked to God to reunite her with her love. Their love and memory will live on in each one of us. The song has ended but the melody lingers on.