Mary "Snooky" Catherine McCleary

In Loving Memory of Mary “Snooky” McCleary 

September 13, 1950 – April 27, 2026

A Life of Devotion

Mary McCleary, known affectionately by many as “Snooky,” was called home to the Lord on April 27, 2026, at 2:44 am. To those who knew her, she was a woman of many names. Whether she was "Big Snook" to her youngest son or "Dora the Explorer" to her daughter, she embraced every nickname and every moment spent with those she loved. To the rest of the world, she was simply "Grandma," a title she wore with immense pride.

Born on September 13, 1950, in York, Pennsylvania, Mary was a woman defined by her heart of gold and an unwavering capacity for unconditional love. She spent 63 years in York, where she was a pillar of the community and the ultimate "neighborhood Mom and Grandma." She worked at Century 21 for several years before a tragic turn of events changed her life forever. After her son, Raymond, was shot, Mary immediately set aside her own career to become his full-time caretaker. She stepped into this role with the grace and strength that defined her character, providing the tireless care and devotion he needed. She was a woman who would truly give the shirt off her back or her last dollar to anyone in need, and her home was always an open door for those seeking a meal or a place to stay.

Her Joy and New Chapters

In 2015, Mary relocated to North Carolina to be closer to her daughter. She truly lived her life to the fullest during these years, finding great joy in exploring her new home. From the peaceful shores of the beach with her loved ones to the excitement of the casinos in the mountains, Mary embraced every adventure. She was often heard cheering "Ding, ding!" at her favorite machines—a sound that always signaled her happy place. When she wasn't at the casino, she loved the "thrill of the hunt," frequently visiting local thrift stores and yard sales, finding treasures and sharing laughs.

Mary’s love for her family knew no distance; she especially enjoyed video calling her family members, always insisting on seeing your face while she talked to you. She never ended a call without blowing a kiss and making sure to say, “I love you” or “I love you guys.” That personal connection meant everything to her. A holiday enthusiast at heart, she could be found watching Christmas movies all year long, and she never missed an opportunity to be silly with her family. While she deeply loved her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her heart’s pure joy. She instilled a foundation of love and kindness in each of them, leaving behind a piece of herself in every life she touched.

Preceded in Death By:

Mary was reunited in heaven with her parents; her sister, Ida Witmer; her brother, Clarence McCleary; her beloved son, Juan Sanchez; her granddaughter, Isabella Miller; and her faithful dog, Molly. Those Who Carry Her Memory

She is survived by her children: Rose McCleary, Angel McCleary, and George Sanchez. Her legacy continues through her Grandchildren: Jeffrey Reid, Christopher Reid, Anthony Gray, Trinity McCleary, Tamara Sanchez, Layla Torres, and Grayson Rivera; and her Great-grandchildren: Anijah Dertia, Yamil Gray, Ainesstie Gray, Arianna Gray, Zy'onna Reid, Masen Hall, Isaiah Hall, and Kai Hall.

She also leaves behind her siblings, Patricia Rodriguez and George McCleary, her cherished nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

A Final Note from Snooky: "To my beautiful family: Don't you worry about me. I've found the biggest jackpot of them all up here. Keep being silly, keep loving each other 'unconditionally,' and whenever you hear a little 'Ding, Ding!'—just know that’s me, cheering you on from the best seat in the house. I love you all to the moon and back."