Erna Elsa Sneff

Erna Elsa Riedlinger Sneff died peacefully at her apartment with family on Sunday morning September 30, 2018, at the age of 95. Erna was born in Jersey City, NJ, July 27, 1923. She moved to Laurellton, NY when her parents and relatives built houses near each other. Her childhood was spent in the rural farming area with cousins as playmates for her and younger sister Marjorie, graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in 1941. She worked at Equitable Life Insurance in NYC until marrying Frank Barth Sneff on February 4, 1945. With daughters Carol (1945), Jeanne (1949), Karen (1951), family moved to Syosset, LI, NY. Frank's work assignments moved family to Michigan, Texas, Washington and California. Choosing to settle in Granada Hills, California, in 1959, Erna worked 29 yrs. for Phi Alpha Delta International law fraternity, retiring in 1988. With all relatives on the East Coast, neighbors Helen and Frank Galbraith became family for Erna and family, especially during Frank's illness and hospitalizations. Erna and Frank divorced in 1967 and he died in 2005. In the 1980's Erna traveled extensively with her partner Ivan until his death in March, 1988. Erna moved to Puyallup in 1988 for ‘Butterfly Grandma' years. A volunteer job for Good Samaritan Hospital became a paid position until retirement at age 80. An avid reader, Erna enjoyed musicals and spending time with friends in Red Hats, Church Lunch Bunch, Senior Center, SHAG Apts. and Brookdale Assisted Living. Erna is survived by daughters: Carol Taylor (Tom Carson), Jeanne (Bill) Andrews, Karen Curnow (Rick Proto). Grandchildren: Elizabeth Marohnich, Jennifer Czarnecki, Robert Carson; Mario, Jolene & Jaime Andrews and Brandy Carlisle; Angel and Christopher Young. Great-grandchildren: Kylie and Hailyn Marohnich; Taylor Czarnecki; Daniel and Oliver Carson; Skyler Carlisle and Maximus Lizotte, Angelina and Jordan Sell; Blake Faulk; Michael, Brendan, and Darren Young. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Powers Funeral Home.