With heavy hearts, the family of Isabel Ruth Snow (née Aikens) wishes to announce her peaceful passing after a brief illness on December 14, 2025, just three days after celebrating her 90th birthday. She was surrounded by family in the Palliative Care Unit at the Aberdeen Hospital.
Born in 1935 on Little Egypt Road in Trenton, Nova Scotia, Isabel was the daughter of Edna and Robert Aikens. She was the second youngest of eleven children and grew up on the family farm in Little Harbour with eight sisters and two brothers. The farm held a special place in her heart throughout her life. She often spoke fondly of the memories made there, working alongside her siblings, sharing laughter, and learning lessons that shaped the person she became.
Isabel felt called to nursing and pursued her education at the Aberdeen Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1957. She began her career working at the Aberdeen Hospital and at the Toronto General Hospital. She later returned to Nova Scotia to earn her Public Health Nursing diploma at Dalhousie University and went on to work in public health in Guysborough County. After moving back to New Glasgow, she worked as a private duty nurse and later as the Discharge Planner at the Aberdeen Hospital, where she was widely known for her compassionate care of patients and their families.
Isabel met the love of her life, Stirling Snow, in Sherbrooke. They were married six months later and together purchased their first home there, where they welcomed their first child and began a life rooted in family, faith, and service.
Isabel was a devoted member of the Trenton Church of the Nazarene, where she served for many years as a Sunday school teacher and faithful church servant. Alongside Stirling, she opened their home in Little Harbour to traveling evangelists, friends, and family, offering warm hospitality through home cooked meals, baking, and fellowship that reflected her deep faith and generous spirit. Together, Isabel and Stirling also volunteered by preparing meals for the Shepherd’s Lunch Room, quietly serving others in their community.
Isabel’s life was marked by her love for Jesus and her genuine care for others. She was kind, compassionate, and deeply people centered. She shared her faith openly and lived it daily through acts of service, kindness, and sincere concern for those around her.
Beyond her work and ministry, Isabel embraced life fully. She enjoyed bowling, was a talented painter, and a gifted baker and cook. She found great joy in creating things by hand and was an avid sewer and knitter. She lovingly made clothing, costumes, and blankets for her family, sharing her creativity and care in thoughtful ways that will be cherished for generations. Above all, Isabel adored her family. Her happiest moments were spent laughing, visiting, and simply being together with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, creating countless joyful and loving memories.
Isabel is survived by her three children: Michael Snow (Frances), Dr. Deborah Straub (Alvin), and Rev. Dr. Robert Snow (Jennifer). She was a proud grandmother to Spencer, Caroline, Andrew (Emma), Victoria, Daniel, Joseph, Nathan, Maggie, and Sophie, and a cherished great grandmother to Finley, Jude, and Eden. She is also survived by her sisters, Eva Aikens and Diane Aikens, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Stirling Snow; her parents, Edna and Robert Aikens; and her siblings, Lloyd, Evelyn, Molly, Carolyn, Lola, Warren, Helen, and Doris.
In her later years, Isabel lived with dementia, yet she remained deeply social and people loving. She continued to enjoy being around others, visiting, chatting, and showing care for those around her, just as she had throughout her life.
Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the palliative care nurses at Aberdeen Hospital for their compassion and kindness, the VON nurses who visited, as well as special thanks to her devoted home caregivers Wendy, Cassidy, and Marla.
Isabel will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kindness, and the love she shared so freely. Her legacy of service, compassion, and family devotion lives on through the many lives she touched.
Visitation 6-8pm Thursday, December 18, at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. Funeral 10:30am Friday, December 19, at Trenton Church of the Nazarene, 1 Duke Street, Trenton. Burial at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to Trenton Church of the Nazarene.