Marie Czerwonka Snell

Marie (Czerwonka) Snell, 94, passed away peacefully June 29, 2020 from natural causes at the Woodlands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in The Woodlands, Texas. Marie was born January 11, 1927 in Boston, Massachusetts to Frank and Martha (Portas) Czerwonka. She grew up in Medford, Mass. where she attended High School and subsequently The Chandler School on Commonwealth Ave. in Boston.

Marie sang professionally in the northeast U.S., modeled and at age twenty-two won an Esther Williams Bathing Beauty contest. Marie also performed in the USO and traveled as far as South Korea to entertain US servicemen. Marie’s impeccable flare for fashion included ensembles for all occasions. Her unique choice of hats often accentuated her stunning outfits.

In her later years Marie contributed much time and effort in entertaining residents of the Newton-Wellesley Center for Alzheimer’s Care, as well as The Friendship Center in The Woodlands, Texas. Marie sang at church on various occasions and supported SPCA and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Along with singing she enjoyed art, painting, piano, exercise and reading.

Marie had two sons, whom she later reared as a single mother and provider. Marie’s determination, work ethic and seemingly boundless energy were an inspiration to those that knew her. She cherished time with her daughter-in-law, Mary and grandson Trey. She was a strong-willed, yet tender woman. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Marie was predeceased by her youngest son Matthew Hiram Snell, her brother Francis, brother Dr. Ronald Czerwonka and his wife, Diana, dear sister Pearl Cullinane, her husband Joseph and their son Michael Cullinane. Marie is also predeceased by her former husband Robert Snell, Sr.

Marie is survived by her sister Joan and husband Major General Paul Hodges, USAF, Ret; her son Robert Snell, Jr, his wife Mary (O’Keefe) Snell and grandson Robert Snell III (Trey); and daughter-in-law Caryn (DeStefano) Snell. Nieces and nephews include: Glen and Dr. Donna (Rich) Cullinane and Scott Cullinane; Joanne Hodges and Leigh Anne (Hodges) Trivette; Dr. Eric Czerwonka, Brian and Donna Czerwonka, Craig and Barbara Czerwonka, Dr. Allaine Czerwonka, Dara (Czerwonka) and Richard Warren. She loved all of her family unconditionally.

We would like to thank the staff at The Woodlands Nursing and Rehab Center for the care and love they provided Marie in light of the current health crisis.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider making gift donations to Interfaith of The Woodlands https://woodlandsinterfaith.org/

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 7801 Bay Branch Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77382.

The date and format will be determined when appropriate.