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Amy Elizabeth Snipes

Sep 11, 2015

On Sept. 1, 2015, Amy Elizabeth Snipes, 34, of Arlington, Virginia passed away peacefully in the presence of her family. Amy was challenged by bulimia and we thank everyone who supported her in that struggle.

Amy was born Kim Hye Mee on Oct. 29, 1980 in Seoul, South Korea. She and her sister Kimberly were adopted by Joan and Bob Snipes May 10, 1984. Amy grew up in Reston, Virginia, Thomaston, Maine and Shepherdstown. She later resided in Baltimore, Maryland and Arlington, Virginia. Amy received her BA in Political Science from Towson University, and her MA in Paralegal Studies from George Washington University. After serving as a much respected assistant to the General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, she became one of the top compliance analysts in HUD’s Departmental Enforcement Center.

Amy was beautiful, smart, quick-witted, wickedly funny, brave, courageous, determined, savvy, kind, affectionate and compassionate. She was a talented artist and cook, and enjoyed reading, being with family and friends, and loving her adopted dog Milo. She loved spending time in Maine; summers in Thomaston and Camden, at Lovejoy Pond and on Cape Rosier brought her great joy.

Above all, Amy loved with great depth and unconditionally. From a young age, she cared for and watched over her sister. There can be no words to describe the bond of two sisters who through it all –adoption from Korea, adjustments to a new family, learning a new language and culture, and untold hours of support through adversity–have been each other’s rock of stability, continuity of family, trusted confidant, unfailing companion, and dearest friend.

Amy was passionate about animal welfare. Her first dog, a tri-colored collie named Elvis, nurtured Amy’s deep love for animals. Cats Piff and Puff followed, and paved the way for Milo, a rescue chihuahua that she adamantly declared to be ‘her heart.’ She believed with every fiber of her being that all animals deserve love.

Amy is survived by her father Robert T. Snipes and step-mother Susan B. Snipes of Orland, Maine; her sister Kimberly J. Snipes of Baltimore, Maryland; her grandmother Betty T. Koelle, of Traverse City, Michigan; her aunts and uncles Susan K. and Lawrence R. Olsen of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Lynn S. West and James C. Snipes of Tiburon, California; her cousins Paul W. Olsen of St. Louis, Missouri, Eric L. Olsen of Keystone, Colorado and Parker A. Snipes of Tiburon, California; her step-sisters and brothers Katie K. Mack and David M. Burnett of St. Louis, Missouri, Ginger M. and Mathew P. Emden of Elsah, Illinois, and Nelleke S. and Nicholas L. Mack of Brooklyn, New York; her step-niece Lilyan S. Emden of Elsah, Illinois, and her step-nephews Collin R. Mack and Noah J. Hartzler of St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, Amy had a special appreciation for members of her loving extended family. Amy was preceded in death by her mother Joan K. Snipes, her paternal grandfather James C. Snipes and her maternal grandfather Paul W. Koelle.

There will be no public memorial service. However, we are a prayerful family, and invite others to commune and celebrate Amy’s life in their own way. We would appreciate hearing your thoughts about Amy, simply by email (Bob.Snipes@gmail.com) if that is convenient. Expressions by mail can be sent to the Snipes family at 1 Lakeside Way, Orland, Maine 04472.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF), which rescues abandoned or displaced dogs and cats from the threat of euthanasia in over-crowded shelters or other at-risk situations and places them for adoption into loving homes. Her dog, Milo and Kims dog, Chachi, were both adopted from LDCRF lostdogrescue.org/participate/donate/in-recognition-in-memory-card/

This obituary is also available for viewing at: memorialwebsites.legacy.com/AmyElizabethSnipes/Subpage.aspx?mod=2