CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, N.L. — How would you like to get physio and at the same time be treated to a home-baked delicacy?
That could be possible if you know Mary Louise Snow.
Snow, who was eliminated from the “Great Canadian Baking Show” this past Wednesday, would trade all of her career years to be a baker.
“If I could make any real money at baking, that is where I would be,’’ she said recently.
“I love it. It is a different world for me. I love to get my hands into it and go by feel. I love it that way,” she added.
Snow was the only competitor on the show from Atlantic Canada, having applied for a spot two years ago and missing the deadline, only to be picked up a year later to be part of the broadcast.
She has been a college physiotherapy instructor for several years and prior to that had her own practice in C.B.S.
How she got to be a physiotherapist leads back to her childhood. Snow was born with a birth defect and up until she was 12, was unable to get treatment for it. That was when Medicare kicked in for her and off to physiotherapy she went.
“I loved the physiotherapist that looked after me and corrected my problems. I decided after that I would pursue a career in physiotherapy and have never looked back,’’ she said.
Her career has taken her to school in Manitoba and back to Newfoundland where she has practised her trade for more than 30-years in places that included the Grace Hospital, Twillingate, Port aux Basques, Western Hospital, Brookfield and Burgeo.
She even owned a clinic of her own for seven years before starting as an instructor at Academy Canada.
“I have worked a lot of places. But I love Newfoundland,’’ she said.
1. What is your full name?
Mary Louise Snow
2. Where and when were you born?
St. John’s, 1952
3. Where do you live today?
Conception Bay South for 37 years
4. What is your favourite place in the world?
Here in our home in Topsail.
5. Who do you follow on social media?
The Chocolate Academy
6. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
They may be surprised to learn that I love hiking and fishing
7. What’s been your favourite year and why?
Difficult one, but probably when I got married … and each of the years my children were born. I was very emotional with each baby when they handed them to me for the first time.
8. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
I had to help carry my mom’s casket with my three brothers. I still cry when I think of it.
9. Can you describe one experience that changed your life?
Definitely when I was in hospital when I was 12. My physiotherapist inspired me so much that I decided then that I wanted to become a physiotherapist. As a matter of fact she saw the first episode of The Great Canadian Baking Show and wrote me a lovely note. She was a new grad when she treated me.
10. What is your greatest indulgence?
Hands down bread. All kinds except caraway!!
11. What is your favourite movie or book?
I mostly read cook books but when I am in the mood I love to read mysteries and health information literature.
12. How do you like to relax?
In the kitchen baking … while listening to Leonard Cohen
13. What are you reading or watching right now?
Just finished watching “Jack Ryan”. Waiting for Season 2.
14. What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is seeing a ghost. Patients tell me all the time about ghosts they have seen.
15. How would you describe your personal fashion statement?
I have no personal fashion statement. I don’t like makeup. I am a casual hippie from 1969, but I try to hide it.!!! I loved wearing hats, but my kids used to laugh when I did so I gave that up! Kids can be cruel.
16. What is your most treasured possession?
I am not very materialistic, but I would say photos.
17. What physical or personality trait are you most grateful to a parent for?
My dad died when I was five so wouldn't know much of his personality, but definitely patience from my mom.
18. What three people would join you for your dream dinner party?
A dream dinner party would include Michelle Obama, Ellen (DeGeneres) and Oprah (Winfrey) They all have such wonderful and different qualities.
19. What are your best and worst qualities?
Let’s start with my worst staying up for 48 hours baking then crashing for the next day! My best quality I believe is my intuition.
20. What’s your biggest regret?
Not having a little bake shop. Even at my age, I still would like one.
