Lovina Carrol (Stokes) Snear

"Carrol" Snear of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away on June 29, 2025, at the University Hospital, surrounded by love. She was 79.

Born Lovina Carrol Snear on September 12, 1945, in Ann Arbor, she lived a spirited and independent life. She had a deep love for flowers, reading, card games, spontaneous excursions, and her cherished cat, Shay. She also enjoyed dressing up for Halloween with friends at the Pinehurst- always finding joy in the little things and the people around her.

In her younger years Carrol was a hat model for Hudson’s Department Store, bringing style and grace to the runway. Throughout her life, she brought that same charm and energy to every role she took on. She worked as a printer and waitress at many beloved establishments including The Heidelberg in Ann Arbor, Bill’s Saloon, The Imperial Restaurant, The Silver Top, Pinehurst, and the Indian River Inn- a fine dining restaurant in northern Michigan where she met Bill Snear one evening after her shift. He quickly became the love of her life, and an important part of her story from that day forward.

Carrols life was fill of movement and strength- from barrel racing in her younger years to raising three beautiful children with love and grit. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family, and one of her proudest accomplishments was purchasing a place up north, she lovingly coined “My Matchbox Palace.”

She is survived by her mother, Dorthy McFadden. Carrol is also survived by her children: Timothy Stokes, Serena Stokes Flatherty (Terry Denessen), and Cynthia Diabo (Dan Demello); and by her grandchildren; Lane Stokes, Luke Stokes, McKenna Flaherty, Connor Flathery, Kaitlin Flaherty, Dylan Demello, and Mya Demello.

Carrol was known for her quick wit, sharp tongue, unwavering determination, and joyous laugh. She leaves behind countless memories, stories, and a legacy of strength, honesty, and heart.

She will be missed deeply and remembered always.

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