Mary Jo Snowden, 92, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026, at her home surrounded by loved ones and the compassionate care of Hospice.
Mary Jo was born on January 21, 1934, in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Harold F Brenneke and Nora Belle Jenkins.
On February 14, 1954, she married Harry F. Thompson, and together they had three children before divorcing later. On January 3, 1971, she married Robert L. Snowden. Although Mary Jo and Robert had no children together, she lovingly considered Robert's children as her own. Robert preceded her in death on July 22, 1986. Following Robert's passing, Mary Jo shared many happy years with her longtime companion, Norbert Dunn. Together they enjoyed traveling, especially to Hermann, Missouri. Norbert passed away on September 6, 2011. Later, she found companionship with Lester Schofield. They enjoyed traveling together, including frequent visits to Kansas City to spend time with Lester's family. They enjoyed listening to music, dancing and spending time together. Lester preceded her in death in 2017.
Mary Jo graduated from Burlington High School in 1952. She later earned her Associates of Arts degree from Southeastern Community College in 1987. She worked for TRW/IRC for twenty years before beginning a career with the Clerk of District Court office, where she worked for ten years until retiring in 1994.
Mary Jo was a member of Unity Lutheran Church (formerly Trinity Lutheran Church). She was active on the Burlington High School Class of 1952 reunion committee and was a member of the Des Moines County Genealogical Society. She enjoyed researching family history and preserving memories for future generations. Reading was also a passion.
Survivors include her son, Jeffrey (Deanna) Thompson, daughter, Rebecca Thompson; and daughter in law, Linda Snowden, and one stepbrother, Terry Jenkins. Grandchildren include Sarah (Justin) Schultz, Joshua (Jeni)Moore, Derek Thompson, Tim Thompson, Sam (Luke) Thompson, Justin (Laura) Snowden, Jessica Snowden, Jennie (Kyle) Rickels, Julie (Bobby) Studeny, Cyrus Ayers, Dora Rose Ayers, Ahban (Ausha) Ayers and Iris Ayers. Also surviving are numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many longtime friends including Pauline Lowther, Jacque Plath; extended family Gregg (Michelle) Dunn, Terry Diaz, Jeff and Marna Parker, the Schofield family, and her special friend and prayer warrior, Gloria Ruschmeyer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold F Brenneke and Nora Belle Jenkins; step father, David Jenkins; her former husband, Harry F. Thompson, her husband, Robert L. Snowden; her longtime companions, Norbert Dunn and Lester Schofield; her stepson, Steven Snowden; her stepdaughter, Deborah Ayers and son-in-law, Vernon Ayers; her brothers, Roger Brenneke and David (Joyce) Brenneke; and most recently, her sister-in-law Patty Thompson and daughter Pamela Moore.
A memorial has been established for the Burlington Public Library and the Iowa PBS. Cremation has been selected per her wishes.
A celebration of life will be held on July 3rd, 2026, at the Eagles Club in Burlington, Iowa (2727 Mt. Pleasant Street), from 4-6 pm. A private graveside service will be held at Aspen Grove Cemetery, where her ashes will be interred beside her husband, Robert L. Snowden.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.prughfuneral.com.