Obituary of Cora Lee Snoeks

In the words of our beautiful Cora, “See you later, crocodile!”

In the early morning hours of Friday, December 20^th, life as we knew it changed forever. Cora died at 4:05 AM with “my sister Lynda” and brother-in-law “Johnny Boy” by her side; her two-year battle with dementia ended. Cora’s death has left us irreparably heartbroken, but also with hearts full of gratitude for having been blessed to love her, and to have been loved by her. Born with Downs Syndrome, Cora truly rocked her 21^st chromosome! Everyone who knew our special girl knew that she loved unconditionally and without judgement, and she gave the best hugs!! There were no strangers in her life …. Only friends she hadn’t met.

The youngest of seven children, Cora Lee Wilhelm was born September 30, 1969 in Yorkton, SK. Work at Kaiser Resources brought her parents, Art and Lois, with their four youngest children to Fernie in 1971 where they settled into their home on Ridgemont Drive. Following Art’s death in 1978, job opportunities took Lois to Alberta. Unfortunately, the school programs at that time were unsatisfactory, so Cora returned to Fernie, spending the next five years living with Lynda, her husband John, and their growing family which eventually included four boys!

In 1989, Cora proudly walked across the stage at Fernie Secondary School during her high school graduation – a very proud moment for everyone! While attending the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, Cora met Christopher Snoeks. They married on July 31, 1993, eventually moving into the Tom Uphill Manor in Fernie to be closer to Cora’s family.  They shared twenty-four years of marriage until the summer of 2017, when Chris moved back to his home province of Ontario. Unable to live independently, Cora again moved in with Lynda and John, living her best life until the onset of early-stage dementia in 2022. Dementia, however, did not diminish her ability to inspire others who came to know and care for her.

Cora embraced life with unmatched enthusiasm! She loved Mama Mia (watching it every night for over a year!!), dancing whenever and wherever the music moved her, singing loudly and passionately, the color purple, gummy bears, Diet Coke, Nacho Cheese Doritos, and of course, her beloved gel pens! Cora touched so many lives with her beautiful smile, her contagious laughter, and her amazing sense of humor …. She loved to laugh! She was a bright light in this world, and we have been changed for the better because of her.

Cora was predeceased by her father Arthur Wilhelm on January 18, 1978, her mother Lois Wilhelm (nee Drader) on November 11, 2016, and her special cousin, Gail Rhinas on March 25, 2024.

Cora is survived by her siblings: Lyle (Donna) of Moose Jaw, SK, Leo (Sue) of Cranbrook, Wayne (June) of Brandon, MB, Rhonda (Ken) Clarke of Baynes Lake, Lynda (John) Gawryluk and Wes, both of Fernie; 18 nieces and nephews, and 35 great nieces and nephews as well as a host of extended family and many wonderful friends. 

Everyone who knows Cora also knows how much she loved a good party, the color purple, and of course ..... her gel pens! Family & friends are invited to wear bright colors; Cora always loved a great outfit! On Monday, December 30th, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, you will also be invited to get creative with colored markers as we decorate her casket with pictures, phrases, or any other message you'd like to share with her. Let's make this a true celebration of the beautiful spirit she was!

Viewing

Monday, December 30^th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Cherished Memories “Serenity Chapel”

891 4^th Ave., Fernie

Funeral Service

Tuesday, December 31^st at 1:00 PM

Cherished Memories “Serenity Chapel”