Barbara Snelling
March 22, 1928 to November 2, 2015
MONTPELIER — Former Vermont First Lady, State Senator and Lieutenant Governor Barbara Snelling passed away November 2 at the age of 87. Her late husband, Gov. Richard Snelling, died in 1991 of heart failure after serving as Vermont’s 76th and 78th governor from 1977 to 1985 and from January 10 to August 13, 1991.
Barbara Snelling became Vermont’s 76th lieutenant governor upon her election in 1992 and she served two terms. The republican was elected to the senate in 1998 and served until retiring in 2002. She suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in 1996 while campaigning and a stroke in 2001, leading to her retirement.
Gov. Peter Shumlin said of Barbara, “Barbara Snelling served Vermont with great distinction in roles big and small. Whether in service to her state or community, Barbara will always be remembered for her compassion and dedication and for overcoming great personal tragedy to continue to give back to the state she loved. The Snelling family has given and continues to give so much to Vermont. My thoughts are with the entire family and all those who knew Barbara.”
