Joanne Elaine Snedden

Joanne Elaine Snedden, age 86, of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 21, 2024.

Joanne was born to Wesley O. and Elsie Marie (Kennedy) Wheeler on October 22,1937, in Flint, Michigan. Jo married William Lloyd Snedden Jr., her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, after graduating from Flint Central High School. They were married for 63 years before he passed away in 2019. Family was everything to Joanne, along with her commitment to Jesus Christ, often combined with her love of music. She sang from age two until her voice was no more. She believed that music touches the souls of everyone.

Joanne was a devoted mother, cherished sister, grams and great-grammy, beloved aunt, and treasured friend. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and she was always at the heart of joyous gatherings, where she brought laughter, warmth, and an unwavering sense of togetherness. As a proud grammy, she created countless memories filled with love and music.

Joanne dedicated her life to uplifting those around her. Inspired by her daughter, Cathy, Jo was president and speaker for the Greater Flint Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. After raising her family, she served as a home school counselor for Durand Turri Mott School in Flint.

When Joanne and Bill retired, they moved to Pickerel Lake in Petoskey, where she became involved in the Petoskey United Methodist Church, Great Lakes Orchestra Chorus, Bay View Vespers, Little Traverse Choral Society, The Great Lakes Orchestra Choir, and Northern Michigan Chorale. Jo was also an advocate for Petoskey’s Alzheimer’s Association.

Joanne leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unyielding faith. She was preceded in death by brother Dallas Wheeler, daughter Catherine Snedden, and husband William L. Snedden, Jr. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Marie Torri, and son William L. Snedden III (Julie), sister Carolyn Snyder, and brothers W. Donald Wheeler and Paul Lowley (Marjan); Mark Torri and Kari Snedden; grandchildren Ashley (John), Jori (Rory), Sarah (Marshall), Hanna, Rilla (Tyler), William (Claire), Tianni, Tia, and Davvin; great grandchildren Adam, Kaidyn, Eddie, Ashton, Austin, and Cora, and great-great grandchildren Rubi and Jaci.

So many people have gone out of their way to share encouragement and love during these last few months. We wish there were a way to acknowledge each by name and say thanks for your spirit-lifting ways. The Snyder, Lowley, Rivers and Reinhardt extended families, the Macaulay Clan, childhood friends, neighbors, the Monday Girls, Bible Study, Prayer warriors, Choir and singing groups, and, last but not least, her wonderful church family.

Joanne's radiant spirit continues to inspire all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Joanne's life will be held on September 7, 2024, at Petoskey United Methodist Church,1804 E Mitchell Road. Visitation with family at 12PM, service at 1:00 PM, with light luncheon to follow. The family invites all those who knew and loved Joanne to share memories and help us honor her extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ( https://www.cff.org/donate ) or the Alzheimer’s Association ( www.alz.org ).

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.