NORWICH – On Aug. 20, 2007, Marjorie L. “Ma” Snell, 93, while residing at the Residential Health Care Facility of Chenango Memorial Hospital for the past six months, passed into the arms of her heavenly father surrounded by her loved ones. Prior to residing at the Residential Health Care Facility, Marjorie resided on Berry Street in Norwich for 67 years.
Born Nov. 15, 1913 in Canton, Pa., Marjorie was the daughter of Benjamin F. and Sibyl “Marion” (Crowell) Bockus. She moved with her family, first to Scranton and then to Binghamton at age 10 before moving to Norwich.
On Nov. 6, 1930 in Norwich, Marjorie wed Franklin D. Snell. For several years she raised their 13 children and provided child care for other families.  She then spent many years employed by the Norwich Shoe Company where she affectionately became known as “Ma Snell” and continued to be called that by all those who knew her right up until her final days. After 35 years of marriage her beloved husband passed away on March 2, 1966. Marjorie later retired from the Norwich Shoe Company and found her true calling of providing assistance for those in need of home health care, retiring in 1994 at the age of 80.
Marjorie was a long-standing member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church. She was a member and past officer of the Women of the Moose, where she was elected into the College of Regents and served as Star Recorder. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary. Her favorite past times were reading Danielle Steele novels and crocheting. She also enjoyed cooking large meals for her family, especially during the holidays. It was said that she made the best baked beans in the country.
Marjorie is survived by her children and their spouses, Frederick D. and Wanda Snell of Nashville, Tenn., Patricia A. White of Norwich, Robert R. and Priscilla Snell of Keysville, Ga., Mary H. and Carl Edholm of Oneonta, Donna J. and David Getsy of Binghamton, Donald J. Snell of Norwich, James W. and Donna Snell of Norwich and Rose M. and Thomas Rowlison of Norwich; 41 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Edward Evans and his wife, Carolyn of Sun City, Ariz.; a sister, Jean Phillipson of Rochester and daughters-in-law, Nancy and Deanna Snell. Several nieces and nephews also survive.  Marjorie was predeceased by four sons, Franklin D. Snell Jr., Charles E. Snell, Richard E. Snell and John D. Snell; a daughter, Alice E. Cane; two sisters, Elaine Beck and Betty Brinkman and three daughters-in-law, Nancy, Betty and Connie Snell.
Funeral services for Marjorie will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Broad Street United Methodist Church. Rev. Tom Taylor, pastor emeritus, will officiate.  Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. 
Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made to the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation for the Residential Health Care Facility or to the “Team Jack” Relay for Life Team c/o Stacy Smith, NBT Bank, 52 South Broad St., Norwich.
In closing, the family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the entire staff of the South Wing of the Residential Health Care Facility of Chenango Memorial Hospital for their compassion and exceptional care while watching over “Ma Snell.”
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.