Mrs. Ellena M. (Martelli) Snogles

N. UTICA - Mrs. Ellena M. (Martelli) Snogles, age 80, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, while on vacation with her family at Lake Winnipesaukee, in New Hampshire. Born in Utica on December 11, 1942, Ellena was the daughter of the late Ralph A. and Rose J. (Brigano) Martelli. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1962. On July 10, 1971 Ellena wed Norman H. Snogles, Jr. They respected and honored one another and were destined to be together. They made a heck of a team! They both shared the art of cooking together and did so in harmony. Paramount were meals on Sunday, and all were welcome to share in Ellena’s creations. Their mutual desire to surround themselves with their family and friends brought much unity to their marriage. They shared a beautiful and loving 35 years together prior to Norman’s passing on July 22, 2006. At one time, Ellena had been employed as the billing and insurance manager for OB/GYN Associates. She worked among a great staff and was beloved by her patients and coworkers. She had a wonderful work ethic and was very professional. She had retired to enjoy other activities and spend time with her family. Ellena was known to be truly benevolent and was a mother like figure to so many people. She practiced the unique art of listening, providing empathy with no judgement. She was patient and helped you walk through all your concerns by allowing you to talk and figure out your own path, all while providing excellent reassurance and sending you off with confidence. As a mother, she was remarkable, and she taught her children how to navigate the world. As a nana, she wanted her grandchildren to know the generosity of her praise which enhanced their confidence. Her life was made most rewarding through the love of her children and grandchildren. She was a great mentor, full of unconditional love, and was always available. Ellena was affable and this virtue afforded her many friendships and others held firm in her trust. The simple things were all Ellena needed to bring her happiness. Ellena also was blessed to be an outstanding baker, as she made almond paste, Italian soft, and chocolate meatball cookies to perfection with an impeccable presentation. She was a crafter, and she would crochet blankets for her entire family who will forever treasure her handmade heirlooms. After her husband's passing and in need of companionship, she found a Shih Tzu and named her Zoe. Ellena and Zoe were known to be inseparable, and she gave her great comfort. Ellena loved attending musicals with her family, and she enjoyed each one she had the pleasure of attending. This past February, she had a significant heart attack, however she forged through the difficulties and wanted to live a normal lifestyle. Her children planned an 80th birthday celebration which included a gift to cruise to Bermuda with a group of 19 of her family and friends. Her last outing was just prior to her passing. She was on Lake Winnipesaukee with her family where she enjoyed boating, floating, great food, beverages and sunset cruises. She was once again afflicted by her heart condition and after valiant efforts, she passed into the arms of her Lord. Ellena was known to have a servant's heart. To be able to contribute her time and talents to her church was very gratifying for her. Friendships were made and intentions to support any project were always done with great devotion when she was a member of St. Peter’s Church. She was faithful and relied upon the Lord in her life, which made the greatest difference in the way she lived it. Ellena was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Ellena is survived by her children and their loves, David and Ginger Snogles, and Beth and Scott VanHoover; her step-children, Darlene and James Vanderwood, and Mark Snogles; and her grandchildren, Liam Snogles, and Isabella Snogles; and Elijah VanHoover, and Marianna VanHoover. Ellena also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Theresa Sportelli (the late Frank A. Sportelli), her twin Angela Paolozzi (the late Joseph A. Paolozzi, Jr.), and Dominick F. and Kathleen Martelli. Ellena is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins; and her in-laws; Ronald and Bette Snogles, Donald Snogles and Linda Neuser, and Allen Snogles. Ellena was blessed to have precious neighbors and friends: Julia Mamuliski and Jesse Gibson, as well as their children Desmond, Noah, and Colton; Tara and Dave DeFazio, Jeanne and Carey Lubow, Roberta and Tony Terzini, and Michelle McCarrick-Truett with whom she shared a mutual admiration and loving bond. Ellena was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman and Emma (Graves) Snogles. Gratitude and heartfelt thanks are extended to MVHS at St. Elizabeth Campus and the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire: the physicians, nurses, and the physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists. Among these outstanding professionals the family wishes to especially acknowledge RN Chad Trevisani, RN Mary Turenne, and her son-in-law, RN Scott VanHoover, and Dr. Scott Brehaut, long time family physician and friend. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will graciously accept floral offerings. Memorial contributions in Ellena’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ellena’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at: https://youtube.com/@st.maryofmountcarmelblesse1703. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery alongside her beloved husband.

Mrs. Ellena M. (Martelli) Snogles

December 11, 1942 - August 4, 2023