Marilyn Snedden

A lifelong resident of Lanark County, Marilyn has used her passion and enthusiasm for agriculture and rural life and benefited generations of county residents with her work.

Growing up on a farm was the foundation of Marilyn’s passion for agriculture which carried through to Mississippi Holsteins that she was an active partner with her husband Earle, and eventually 4 children – Robert, Ken, Debbie and Raymond. Marilyn and Earle were both actively involved in the North Lanark Agricultural Society and the Almonte Fair. Marilyn has been a dedicated board member for decades, very rarely missing a monthly meeting. She was Committee Chair for farm produce and the vegetable and flower sections, still assisting these sections on judging day. The annual fair fundraiser, Car Toot Bingo, might not attract as many participants if Marilyn didn’t make her lip-smacking homemade pies available at the snack booth!

Marilyn is an avid gardener and was very active in the Lanark County Horticultural Societies. Along with participating in vegetable and flower shows at numerous fairs, she also ran workshops. She was a respected official judge, highly sought after, not only locally, but in other counties as well.
Marilyn was very active in Women’s Institute for the betterment of rural women and the community at large. Marilyn has been involved with Ramsay Women’s Institute for over 50 years and remains the curator of the Tweedsmuir Histories.

For decades, St. Andrew’s United Church in Pakenham has benefited from Marilyn’s tireless work. In 1971 she was the first woman elected there as an elder. She has played the organ, taught Sunday School, served on the church council board, baked and cooked for too many to mention church suppers, fund raisers, special events, funerals and celebrations.

Marilyn has penned or co-penned many books of local history and genealogy. She was the coordinator for the Ramsay, Montague, and Sherbrooke books of the Rural Schools of Lanark County project. She has researched and published both the Robertson and Snedden history. She authored a book of the history of the Pakenham United Church. Additionally, Marilyn was involved in gathering information for the Lanark County Rural Routes books which showcase the history of Lanark County farms, giving readers a glimpse of how our thriving agricultural industry has developed since its infancy. In 2003, when Lanark County hosted the International Plowing Match, Marilyn was an integral part of organizing and setting up Lanark’s tent to showcase the county’s agricultural background. Marilyn also volunteered in the tent as a local expert for attendees to consult with.

She currently chairs the local Ontario Senior Games Association chapter and encourages many to get involved and active in their community and beyond. Marilyn always manages all this while staying calm and in good humour. In 2023, Marilyn was the Outstanding Senior Citizen Award recipient for Mississippi Mills.