My dear Grandma Jeanette Snow passed away just before Christmas. I have a lot of memories of my grandma and I’m not sure that I could think of one that was the least bit negative. I sometimes thought she was a little strange but I think that comes with grandma territory.

My grandma was a great people-person and was good at making friends wherever she went. She would often say “my best friend was once a stranger.” She certainly made me feel loved and helped me learn how to be kind to others.

First I wanted to share a few photos of Grandma in her younger years. Some of these just crack me up. My grandma loved growing plants and flowers. Here is a picture of her with a very large and bulbous tomato from her garden. That one looks very good.

So I knew she was a good bowler and heard a lot of people discuss that at the funeral. As I was looking for some good pictures of her I came across this one of her and the bowling team and had a good laugh. What a great group of women.

Many memories have come to my mind as I sit composing this post. To follow that image above of the tomato I made a picture with my daughter Madeleine of Grandma’s peach tree. Peaches were a summertime constant at her house. I remember them always being warm from the sun, sweet, and juicy.

Remember when I said that as a kid I sometimes thought she did strange things? Those usually became my favorite memories of her. From dancing in the street on the Fourth of July to spouting random (and personlized, mind you) songs at any occasion. Her joyful, playful, loving, and caring nature was treasure of the family. I will always remember you and will apply the lessons you taught me time and time again.

Here is the obituary.

Jeannette “Jan” Snow

1932 ~ 2011

Jeannette “Jan” Ann Woodmansee Snow, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend was a fighter that endured many illnesses including liver disease only to be taken by complications with pneumonia on Dec.21, 2011A life to celebrate and honor, a true lady. Born January 23, 1932 in SLC to Benjamin Lewis and Annie Bertha Woodmansee. Grew up in downtown SLC and graduated from South High. She worked at Wagner Bag, Wilson Meat Pies and at The Capitol Theater where she enjoyed meeting actors and actresses. As young ladies, Jan and 2 girlfriends traveled and explored Utah, Nevada and Arizona (quite adventurous for young women of that day).

After a blind date, Jan and Vern fell in love. Mom loved Dad’s good looks, Dad loved her sense of humor and beautiful blue eyes. They were married April 30, 1955. To this marriage came Robert, Wendy, Julie and Stacy. During these years Jan worked at Litton Guidance Systems (25 years), where she made many lifelong friends. Jan was past president of ABWA and enjoyed Toast Masters. She loved to tell jokes and stories through rhyme. She was a true friend to many. Jan made her home warm and beautiful at holidays, hosting many family parties. She loved music, gardening, shopping, bowling, playing cards, babies and ice-cream. Later in life Jan also loved the Jazz (but not the refs) and Wendover. Most of all Jan loved her family. She was very proud that all of her grandchildren graduated from college.

Mom’s favorite saying was, “My best friend was once a stranger.” Her home was a place where everyone was welcome. Mother was like a rose, she brought beauty and brightness to the world.

Survived by husband, Vern Snow; son, Robert (Gail) Snow; daughters, Wendy (John) Kunzler, Julie (Kevin) Connors, Stacy Snow; nephew, Steven (Sandra) Villarreal; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren plus one on the way; brothers, Albert (Gladys), Duane (Shauna) Woodmansee, Marlin Snow and sister, Shirley (Ted) Nielsen.. Preceded in death by parents; in-laws, Charles C. Snow and Janetta Rymer; brother, Jerry (Joyce) Woodmansee; sister, Joyce (Hal) Gallacher and her sister-in-law, Lena Villarreal.

Jan’s children thank their Father for the unconditional loving care of their Mother which gave everyone more time to enjoy her. Thank you to all of the physicians and nurses that provided care for Jan over the years.

Mom “we love you more.” In honor of our Mother, make a friend.

Services will be held Wednesday, December 28th, 11:00 a.m. at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 So. Redwood Rd. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. at the mortuary and one hour prior to services on Wednesday. On-line condolences may be left at http://www.memorialutah.com