Elia Mary (Straccia) Snay
October 25, 1933 - September 23, 2025

Elia passed away on September 23, 2025 after close to 92 years.

She was born on October 25, 1933, in Lincoln Park, Michigan to Guiseppe & Antoinetta (DiVincenzo) Straccia. They were of Italian descent and she was the oldest of 3 children, with 2 brothers, Almo & John.

Elia met her husband, Emerald "Em" in high school who was the brother of one of her friends, Jeanette.  Em described her as the "prettiest girl in town" and knew he was destined to love her.  Em passed away in January of 2025 after celebrating their 73rd anniversary in May of 2024. Together, Em & Elia Snay were lifetime residents of Lincoln Park, Michigan and they welcomed four children together. Elia held various roles outside of the home.  She worked as a bank teller while Em was drafted during the Korean War.  Similar to her husband, she later worked in the dairy industry and retired from Melody Farms.  Her style was always top notch and she often donned all black, classically beautiful and timeless - like her spirit.  She loved nature & animals, knitting, and their beautiful backyard sanctuary with flowers, a grape arbor, and ginkgo & maple trees.  She loved to spend time with her large family. Her signature sauce & acini de pepe were fan favorites and the Snays' annual Christmas at the "Big Red House" was the event of the year. Family traditions included wine & candle making and gingerbread house competitions made with milk cartons.

Elia is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Em, and their daughter, Lori Ann, who passed away at 2 years old.  She was the beloved mother of Rick Snay (Brenda), Lori Ann Snay, Randy Snay (Traci), and Nanette (Snay) Sharpe (Rick).  She was grandmother to 9, and great-grandmother to 10.   She was cherished by all.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 11, 2025 and the Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Sunday, October 12, 2025. All services will be located at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 3880 Fort Street, Lincoln Park, MI 48146. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Lori Ann Snay's name.