Bernadette Marie Snowdon
Bernadette Marie Snowdon, 90, of Groton, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Nashoba Valley Hospital in Ayer, MA. She was born on May 13, 1933, in Mattice, Ontario, Canada, to Daniel Filion and Bella (Imbeau) Filion. She married the love of her life, Robert Clifford Snowdon, and together, for 54 years, built a life filled with love and laughter until his passing on May 9, 2012.
Bernadette was a devoted caregiver to her family, finding joy in nurturing and supporting her daughters and even greater joy in doting on her grandsons. She had a keen eye for interior design, an impeccable sense of fashion, and loved all social gatherings, especially if she was the host. For Bernadette, there was always a good reason to celebrate. She felt that it was important to celebrate every achievement no matter how small, and even more important to celebrate the bad times or the setbacks, because that is when you really need a fun night out.
Before embracing the role of motherhood, Bernadette pursued a career as an executive assistant. She enjoyed these youthful independent years living in Toronto with her dear roommates and saving her money for a grand solo European tour, before settling down and getting married. Later, she transitioned to the role of office manager after her daughters graduated high school. She loved this role because it was a wonderful excuse to get dressed up and she was extremely proud to be able to contribute to her daughters’ college education funds.
Although Bernadette pursued professional roles, the role she most enjoyed and was unabashedly proud of, was her role as wife and home maker. She happily supported her husband’s professional years by managing their homes in Montreal QC, Toronto ON, and Westford MA. Bernadette and Robert then spent their happiest years, 23 to be exact, in retirement, in Harwich Port MA. After Robert’s passing, Bernadette moved to Nashua NH to be closer to her daughters and grandsons, and for the first time in her life was living completely on her own. Bernadette spent this decade continuing to do what she loved most: decorating, hosting, and spending time with family and friends. Bernadette spent her final year of life at RiverCourt Residences where she loved attending all the social activities, especially the musical performances, and her fabulously decorated unit was frequently sought out as the model unit for potential residents to look at.
Bernadette’s faith journey was significant, having been born into the Catholic Church and later converting to Episcopalian in marriage. Her spiritual journey was a cornerstone of her life, providing her with solace and strength through the years.
Besides her parents and devoted husband Robert, Bernadette is predeceased by her siblings, Marie Jeanne de Denus, Lena Belland, Anita Langdon, Cecil Minoti, Paul Filion, and Joseph Filion.
Bernadette is survived by her daughters Tracy Goulden and Dana Snowdon, grandchildren Ryan Goulden and Henry Snowdon, her sister Yvonne Sims, and many dear nieces and nephews. SERVICES: A Celebration of Life will take place 1:30 pm, Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua, NH. Internment will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 391 Main St, Nashua, NH. Friends and family are invited to attend. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Bernadette’s loving name, may do so to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116, or visit them online at https://diabetes.org/ An online guestbook is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com. The Davis Funeral Home (603)883-3401 “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”