Naima Z. Snelgrove

Naima Z. Snelgrove, 67, of Melbourne Florida suddenly passed away on July 3rd, 2024 after falling on some stairs while visiting her family home in Kenitra, Morocco. Her loss is completely unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened.

Naima Zidal was born in 1957 in Kenitra Morocco, one of ten children born to Jilali Zidal and Fatima El Asli where she lived until moving to Hawaii in 1978. Naima left Hawaii and moved to Oklahoma and then later to San Diego. In 1982 she moved to Florida’s Space Coast and there met a young man who fell head over heels in love with her.

She married Senior Airman Bruce Snelgrove in 1984 and they moved into base housing at Patrick Air Force Base. In 1985 the Air Force sent them to Sonseca, Spain where they lived for two wonderful years.

In 1987 the family moved back to Patrick Air Force Base. Naima began working at the base Child Development Center in 1989. She was a child caregiver there until taking over as the head cook until she retired in 2004. After retiring Naima spent her time caring for her husband, Children, grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. She was always a wonderful cook and loved making delicious meals that made her family happy. Naima was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2020 but continued to be upbeat and lived a happy life, enjoying family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Naima has a large family who she loved dearly including her husband Bruce, daughter Mona Stillwell, son Michael Snelgrove (deceased), granddaughter Stella Rose, twin grandchildren Ava and Gavin Stillwell, Brothers Mustapha (deceased), Abellilah and Abdelaftah Zidal, Sisters Aisha Zidal (deceased), Mina Ahmed, Rachida Hassan, Zachia LaRibi (deceased), Souad Houssamy and Sanaa Salimeh.

Naima was an exemplary daughter, wife, mother, sister, and human being. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her husband, children, grandchildren, entire family, and countless friends.

Naima was big-hearted and vibrant and radiated light. She accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms, and an unforgettable smile. She always lit up a room when she entered and was always the life of the party. She had an immense passion for her family, cooking, dancing, and making jokes.

Naima’s departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply.