Virginia R. Snowden

Virginia R. Snowden died peacefully at the age of 103 on December 24, 2024, at Proctor Place, where she resided. Virginia was born June 1, 1921, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Bertha and Christ Risch. She had two sisters, Amelia Westermayer and Irma Bargeon.

She graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1943. She married Norwood L. Snowden (“Snow”) on February 23, 1946, and moved to Peoria, where he had accepted a job as an engineer for Caterpillar.

They raised four daughters: Peggy (and Jack) Murphy of Peoria, the late Carol Snowden of Columbus, Ohio, Nancy Snowden of Peoria, and Susan Snowden of Chicago. Virginia had two grandchildren: Philip (and Brooke) Murphy of Mathews, North Carolina, and Cathy (and Daron) Zwink of Dunlap. They also had four great-grandchildren: Addison and Brooklyn Zwink, Alexandra and Owen Murphy.

As an active volunteer, Virginia and a few friends founded and established the first library at Pleasant Hill Grade School. The library was likely the first place and time many of these students had access to a life-changing set of books and knowledge.

She was also a longtime substitute math and science teacher at Bergen (Notre Dame), Manual, and Woodruff High Schools.

Once her youngest child was in school, Virginia went to Bradley University in Peoria, where she earned her Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1970. She focused on students who faced challenging life circumstances. She was a trailblazer in many ways.

Throughout her career, she taught suspended students, teen mothers, and wards of the court. Youth Farm, where she taught for many years, was particularly dear to her heart. She taught and gave attention and care to many boys who were wards of the court and likely had not experienced much nurturing. She expanded their knowledge and helped to increase their self-worth.

When Virginia retired from Youth Farm, Snow started a successful, small mail-order business creating and selling plans for at-home wood and metal shop projects. Virginia supported this endeavor. They moved together into Proctor Place in 2003 when she was 82. She poured great effort, energy, and love into the Proctor Place library and book club, which she oversaw from 2003 until 2020.

Virginia was a longtime member and volunteer at West Bluff Christian Church, PEO, and the Methodist Women’s League. She was a member of First Christian Church of Peoria.

For many, Virginia was a pillar of quiet support, kindness, and resolve. Her sound thinking and guidance were the foundation that allowed those around her to flourish. Virginia could always be counted on to listen carefully, think clearly, and provide excellent guidance.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at 2:00 PM at First Christian Church, 6400 N University, Peoria, IL.

Memorial contributions in place of flowers may be made to Proctor Place, 2724 W. Reservoir Blvd., Peoria, IL 61615 (https://proctorplace.org/about-proctor/donation-opportunities/) or to the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Online condolences may be posted at www.Davidson-Fulton.com