Life and legacy of Dorothy Snodie

Senior Interview

I conducted my interview with a senior with a woman named Dorothy Snodie who lives in St. Paul Minnesota and turned 90 years old on May 15th, 2011. Much of Dorothy's life revolves around her family and the community where she grew up, worked, and eventually retired. She has lived a long life and has an almost never-ending supply of family stories and perspective on the city where she was raised.

The most striking aspect of Dorothy's life is that she grew up very poor and lived a very simple life, but now, at the age of 90 she has experienced and created so much for herself. Dorothy had six children with her husband Harry, two of whom are twins, but she also lost two daughters over the years. Her six children proceeded to have families and she now has an extended family of 54 grand children, great grand children, and even great-great grand children. Dorothy notes that she was married to Harry for a total of 68 years and her family has always been the center of her life. Her happiest moments were the births of her children. As she speaks of her children and grand children it's clear that she knows she has created a very stable, extending, and loving family.

As a result of growing up without money Dorothy developed simple interests and pleasures. She loves animals, and she and her family enjoy camping and being in the outdoors. She notes that she can enjoy many wonderful moments with simply from being with her children, her pets, and spending time outside having picnics, cookouts, or big family events. Dorothy also loves birds and explains that she can spend many hours bird watching, especially during camping trips and seasonal migration periods. When the weather is bad or camping isn't possible Dorothy enjoys simple activities such a crochet and crossword puzzles.

One aspect of Dorothy's life that makes her very unique is that she waitressed for over thirty years of her life. She began when she was young, so it was her first job, and she continued all the way until her retirement. She notes that this work is likely part of what gives her very excellent skills with people. She feels its very important to always be kind and honest and she always enjoyed her work because her customers he enjoys meeting new people and having interesting conversations.

A simple person, Dorothy never developed much of an interest in politics, and sees political issues as something that has little direct relation to her life. This may be the result of having such as large family and, as a result, having a great deal of support and care as she has aged. She prefers to keep her daily life and activities simple and positive, and tries to always maintain a strong sense of humor, which is a part of her charm, and may also have helped her live such a long and happy life.