Elizabeth Ann Snell

Mom was born in San Diego, California to Clarence and Genevieve Sjurson May 23, 1942. She grew up in San Diego, La Mesa, and El Cajon. She began playing piano at the age of six. Her skill was innate, and she entertained a variety of groups with her performances growing up. While attending San Diego State in 1962 she took a class called Transportation Library, or what today we would call Auto Shop. She was the only woman in a class of twenty men. Their reaction? “The boys just stood there with their mouths open.” Mom was ahead of her time. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1964. Despite being in a near fatal car accident at the age of twenty she graduated on time. She took twenty-two units in one semester just to catch up! She met and married her first husband Bennie Horn in April 1967. They both shared a love of cars. She enjoyed helping Dad rebuild the Hudson they had and hand making all the necessary gaskets. They franchised a 76-gas station before opening their own station Horn Oil Company of California in the early 70’s. Their only daughter Tiffany was born in Newport Beach in July 1979. Having visited Monterey several times they decided to move here permanently in 1981. Mom and Dad divorced in 1988 yet remained friends for life. Mom had a variety of jobs over the years including Monterey Baking Company, which she loved very much. She then became a proofreader at CTB McGraw Hill, which was a perfect use of her natural proofreading abilities. Mom was incredibly intelligent and well read. One of her favorite places to go was the Marina Library to look for new mystery novels. She loved all animals, especially frogs and cats. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. She was diagnosed with otosclerosis in her late thirties but never let hearing loss hold her back or slow her down. She was a friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those that knew her would say she was feisty, independent, and strong. She passed away September 3rd at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Bennie, many friends, and numerous beloved pets. She is survived by her only daughter Tiffany, her son-in-law Eric, and her boys. To contact Tiffany please email [email protected]. In lieu of flowers please donate to any animal charity in her honor.