Helene Snowden

Helene Bernadette (nee Wasilewska) Snowden passed into the arms of Christ, Wednesday morning, (6-25-2025) at the age of 103. Helene was born 10-20-1921 in Ukraine when she came to America with her parents in 1923. She became a US citizen in 1943. She worked during the war packing parachutes for soldiers. She was married to Keith Snowden in June 1948.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Jennie Wasilewski, Brother, Eugene Wasilewski, her husband Keith, (after 55 years of marriage) twin sons, Jerome and Maurice Morningstar and son, Patrick Snowden.

Surviving her are her daughters, Mary Louise (nee Morningstar) Madden and Marcia, (nee Snowden) Tom Gehrig. Granddaughter Jennie (nee Madden) David Betz. Great grandson’s, Christian, Gabriel and Thomas Betz. Special niece, Sharon (nee Williams) Marrow. Dear friend, Roger Grant and many special neighbors and friends.

Helene was a homemaker and spent years volunteering in her community. She was Mrs. Robinson at Blanford Nature Center. She volunteered at Kent community Hospital, St. Mary’s living Center and the Veterans Home. Helene drove the Carmelite nuns to their appointments and donated to their convent for many, many years.

Helen was an amazing cook, but loved to eat out. She loved to dance and she and Keith would go square-dancing on weekends. She loved yard sales and junk stores and to talk politics. She traveled to Hawaii 10 times as well as traveling to Europe and the Bahamas. She loved looking at the water. She also loved animals and was known as the “duck lady“or to her grandsons “Grandma Duck.” All who knew her agree, she was one feisty woman!!

Per Helene’s wishes there will be a private family service. She will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery and be laid to rest with her family.

Helene asked that any donations be sent to either: Carmelite Monastery (4300 Mount Carmel Dr. NE., Ada, MI 49301) or to INTERIM Hospice, (1971 East Beltline Ave NE #216, Grand Rapids, MI 49525).

The family would like to acknowledge a special thank you to those who cared for her at the end. Katie at INTERIM hospice, and their amazing staff at Hospice. Also the awesome staff at the Green Acres facility in Cedar Springs. Each one of you showed compassion, kindness, support and love as she journeyed her last days. Thank you Summer, who helped direct Mom’s case for which we are grateful. You have all made this transition for Helene and our family as gentle as possible, for that, we are eternally grateful.