Obituary of Isabelle Sniezek

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Isabelle, at the age of 101 on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Extendicare Maple View in Sault Ste. Marie.

Born north of Toronto to the late Elmer and the late Olive (Jones) Orr, Isabelle was the devoted wife of the late Joseph Sniezek, with whom she shared fifty wonderful years. She was the cherished mother of Joseph Sniezek (Maria), Wanda Sefl (Mirek), Patricia Campbell (Steve), and Mike Sniezek. Isabelle was a loving and involved grandmother to Todd Sniezek (Heather), Kirstin Dias (Jason), Adam Campbell (Jennifer), Nick Campbell, Jessica Pereira (Rui), Luke Sniezek, and Sam Sniezek. She was also a proud great-grandmother to eight. She is survived by her sisters Orphie Marcellus, Verna Ross (Peter), and Sheila Ewing (Jim). She was predeceased by her brother Albert Orr and sister Nora Sypes. 

A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Isabelle spent part of her life as a teacher, inspiring young minds with the same quiet patience and wisdom she brought to her family. She was an accomplished quilter, lovingly crafting special quilts for each of her children, grandchildren and family—always reminding us they were meant to be used, not just admired (though please don’t sit on them). She played piano by ear, sewed wedding dresses for her daughter and sister, and had a green thumb and a sharp mind for strategy at the bridge table. She loved curling and devoted time and leadership to the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) and several United Church congregations throughout her life.

Her early married life began in two twelve-by-twenty-four shacks joined together on Mud Lake in Camp Robinson—without indoor plumbing and with what one could charitably describe as “basic accommodations.” Following her husband’s promotion to Logging Superintendent, the family upgraded to a home with plumbing and later moved to Kenora, Richmond Hill, Aurora, and finally Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Joe completed his career. After retirement, they returned to the cottage in Keewatin on Lake of the Woods. Following Joe’s passing, Isabelle returned to her birthplace of Toronto and eventually relocated to Sault Ste. Marie.

Isabelle lived a full and vibrant life, defined by kindness, quiet strength, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, resilience, and warmth that will continue to inspire her family and all who knew her. To say our mother was feisty would be an understatement—once her mind was made up, it was not easily changed. Her family will miss her deeply, even if her remarkable 101 years felt like a gift we were lucky to have for so long.

The Sniezek family would like to thank the staff at Extendicare Maple View Goulais Bay for the kindness and care of our mother these last few years.

Cremation has taken place.  She will be interred with her husband Joe in Kenora, and a private family gathering will be held in Toronto at a later date to celebrate her extraordinary life.  Memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice or the Thornhill United Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).