In Memoriam: Rosemary Snow

First Unitarian Member and Chicago activist Rosemary Snow, 91, died peacefully October 31, with family at her side. 

She was born September 2, 1930, at the Mescalero Apache Reservation, in New Mexico, daughter of Rosalie and John Mixon, who were pioneering social workers. A life-long Hyde Parker, she was educated at Ray School, Francis Parker, Wellesley College, and Occidental College. She married Richard Snow in 1952. They raised three children, Anita Orlikoff (Jamie), Luther Snow (Lise Kildegaard), and Sarah Snow (James Melton).

After earning teaching certificates at Chicago State University, Rosemary taught math at Akiba Schechter, Kenwood High School, and Fenger High School, and later worked as a computer programmer at Sears, Playboy, and IBM. As a young mother, she decorated elaborate cakes for birthdays, led the family on many outdoor adventures, and always modeled creative thinking and life-long learning. She became a vibrant and cherished member of many local communities and organizations, including the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, OWL, the League of Women Voters, Servas, Kiwanis, friends of Bill W., and the Jackson Park Yacht Club. She was a devoted bird watcher, swimmer, and a faithful supporter of the Grant Park Symphony. Any big parade or celebration in Chicago, whether for the 100th anniversary of the Suffrage Movement or the White Sox winning the World Series, would find Rosemary there. 

Rosemary was a dedicated precinct captain of the IVI-IPO, working tirelessly for good government, and recognized by the organization with a lifetime achievement award. She was an early local supporter of Barack Obama and Carol Moseley Braun.  She had a deep faith in the power of people to work together to solve problems and to advance the common good. Her world travels took her to countries and places across the globe, where she further strengthened the bonds that unite all people. She was a supporter and member of the World Parliament of Religions.

In addition to her husband, three children, and their spouses, Rosemary is survived by her brothers Robert Mixon (Barbara) and David Mixon, and five grandchildren: Rachel Orlikoff Jüling (Stefan), David Orlikoff, Kaj Snow, Axel Snow, and Lewis Melton. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Lindley Mixon.

We will be celebrating her life November 20, 2021, at 11 am via Zoom and simultaneously, at a smaller COVID protocol in-person service at the 1st Unitarian Church of Chicago. 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83702830686
Meeting ID: 837 0283 0686
Passcode: Snow
Dial in: +1 312-626-6799

Contact Sarah Snow at roses92@comcast.net to let us know if you are attending in person. Memorial gifts may be made to First Unitarian in Rosemary’s name, or to any cause that supports positive understanding, peace, and justice here and in the world.