Dolores Mary Simaz Snelson
Dolores, 94 years old, was born on April 21, 1927, in Anacortes, Washington. She was the eldest in her family followed by a brother, Albert and a sister, Darlene. She grew up in Anacortes graduating in 1945.
She met her future husband, William (Bill) Snelson in Anacortes. They were married in 1949 and moved to Sedro-Woolley where Bill worked in the family business, Snelson Plumbing and Heating, later changed to Snelson Inc.
Dolores and Bill became the proud parents of seven daughters. She is survived by her children, Linda (Jim) Stidman, Christine Thompson, Nancy (Ken) Williams, Susan (Steven) Spiegel, Julie (Robert) Stuart, Mary (Scott) Richards, from Washington and Barbara (Paul) Garza from Colorado; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; as well as her devoted sister, Darlene Erickson; nieces and nephews.
For 50 plus years, Dolores was involved with the Beta Sigma Phi organization. Swan Road Book Club, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Gertrude Sawyer group were several others. Dolores was an avid reader, a hobby she took up later in life; gardening was a pastime she loved especially caring for her geraniums. She enjoyed travelling both locally and internationally, with friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William; parents, Peter and Cecelia Simaz; brother, Albert Simaz; grandson, Ethan Fox; son-in-law, Andrew Thompson; great granddaughter, Quinn McCourt.
The family requests those who wish to honor Dolores, to donate in lieu of flowers, to the Skagit Community Foundation at PO Box 1763 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or online at skagitcf.org.
A time of visitation will be held at Lemley Chapel, 1008 Third Street, Sedro-Woolley, Friday, June 25, 2021, from 9:00 to 5:00; a visitation with Rosary being recited will be at 7:00, Sunday, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 721 Ferry Street, Sedro-Woolley; the Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00, Monday followed by the private Committal Service at Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley, Father Jim Dalton, Celebrating. Share your memories of Dolores and sign the online guest register. To attend the Funeral via ZOOM:
Join Zoom Meeting June 28, 2021 at 11:00AM.
https://zoom.us/j/8908413334?pwd=U0p3eVMyS01lbk9FNWJmdjU4YXBjZz09
Meeting ID: 890 841 3334
Passcode: funeral
Dear Linda, Chris, Nancy, Susan, Julie, Mary, Barbara and families,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. She personified “class,” from her stylish church attire (always looked forward to seeing her exquisite hats on Sunday when we were kids!) to her always genial manner.
She clearly delighted in the company of others, always generous and diplomatic dealing with us neighbor kids when we took over the pool. What a wonderful role model for us all!
Her generosity and kindness clearly have been passed along to all of you.
My deepest sympathy and peace to you all.
Susan Johnson Hanlon
Dear Snelson family,
I met Delores in 1996, when we moved to the neighborhood. She was always so warm, welcoming and friendly. Every time Diederik and I stopped by, she would always say “come on in,” even during Covid. I loved that about her. Even though she wasn’t concerned, I always wanted to protect her and never went inside. I insisted we talk outside. Delores never seemed worried. I will miss chatting with her.
In the years when our kids were young, Delores encouraged us to come and use her pool whenever we wanted. That was such a blessing to us.
I will always remember the year my son Kevin and I helped her put up and decorate her Christmas tree. That was a very fond memory I have of sharing stories while we worked together decorating.
Delores reminded me of my own mom. They both had 7 children and were always so put together and classy. I always admired Delores. She loved her family well. I am happy for all the celebrations the daughters had for their mom over the years. They treated their mother with such love and kindness. I enjoyed watching that from a distance. She will be forever missed by so many. I am thankful that I knew her.
To all of the “Seven Sisters”and your families, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I check her house for activity every time I drive by and have wanted to stop many times just to see who’s there. I’ve missed seeing your mom in the driveway headed for the mailbox. Being an employee of both companies, I have always felt like I was one of the family at some time or another. She will be missed by many and especially by you all. My heart goes out to you.
God Bless you, and the Snelson Troop of girls. REST IN PEACE. The Rockafellow family.
Dear my American mom,
Since I met you first time, time has gone over 30years. I had great time with you and Bill when I was a student and staying your place. I really wanted see you again, but that opportunity never come back. I don’t mean to say goodbye because I definitely will see you somewhere in the future. I just can say now “Rest In Peace “ from Tokyo, Japan