SNOWDEN, Barry & Marion
Posted: August 16th, 2025
In Loving Memory of Barry Lancelot Snowden
(1944-2025) and
Marion Alice Snowden
(Graham) (1947-2025)
Barry Lancelot Snowden passed away peacefully in Edmonton on May 6, 2025, at the age of 80. His wife, Marion Alice Snowden (Graham), passed away shortly after, on June 24, 2025, at the age of 78. Married for 57 years, Barry and Marion shared a full and generous life together devoted to family, community, and service.
Barry, son of Goldie and Ernie Snowden, was raised on a dairy farm just south of Lethbridge. He was a hard-working student and 4-H member. He left the farm for the University of Alberta, earning a degree in science and an MBA, and spent much of his career in post-secondary leadership in Edmonton, serving as a vice-president with Athabasca University and Grant MacEwan University.
Marion, daughter of Willa and Harry Graham, was raised on farms near Balzac and Lacombe before the family settled in Red Deer. Marion trained as a nurse at the University of Alberta for a lifelong career of care, nursing in Edmonton, Lethbridge and across Southern Alberta. She was known for her exceptional care and compassion.
In 1996, the couple returned to an acreage just south of Lethbridge. Marion continued nursing until her retirement in 2012. The couple enjoyed gardening, raising horses, travelling, and volunteering in the community including the Lethbridge Historical Society, and the Lethbridge & District Exhibition Board.
They are survived by their children, Graham Snowden and Laura MacLean (Rod); grandsons Donald and Ben MacLean; Barry’s sisters, Sandra Valgardson (Brad) and Suzanne Gillman (Miles); Marion’s siblings, Janet Morton (Stu), Sheila Raboud (Frank), and Peter Graham (Debbie); and lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and close friends.
A reception for family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Coaldale Civic Centre,1801 20th Avenue, Coaldale, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories at www.alzheimer.ca/ab/en.
We were so sadden to hear of Barry & Marion’s passing. They were a lovely couple always a smile and kind word. Knew them through the church. Marion was a great volunteer with the Thrift Store and Barry audited the Canyon Church camp books for me. Will be missed by all I’m sure.