Obituaries
Susan Marie Snyder Bleacher, 65
February 18, 2020
Sue Snyder Bleacher, 65, of Conestoga, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Lancaster City and was the daughter of the late Charles F. and Rita (Caskey) Snyder.
She is survived by her husband, Wes Bleacher to whom she was married to for 41 years. She also leaves behind her two daughters, Elizabeth “Liz” Bleacher, companion of Kevin Kan, Kelley Schnapf, wife of Josh, and her three grandchildren, Solomon, Annaliese, and Rita Schnapf.
Sue grew up in her family’s funeral home on East King Street with her five siblings. She went to St. Anthony Parochial School and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1972.
She was a long-time parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church where she previously served on Parish Council and was a member of the St. Philip’s Women’s Auxiliary.
Sue had many roles over the course of her career at her family business, the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes, from a preplanning counselor to managing the Millersville branch of the funeral home. For the past ten years Sue owned and ran her business, Heritage Estate Monuments, which served families in the Lancaster community.
Sue was a former Girl Scout Leader, a board member of Woodward Hill Cemetery, and a member of the Millersville Business Association. She also enjoyed working as a travel escort for her uncle Bob and aunt Pat (Caskey) Zeller, at Zeller Travel Agency for many years.
Sue was always the life of the party and was known for her infectious laugh and sense of humor. She loved family traditions around the holidays and her annual family vacations to Avalon and Stone Harbor since childhood. She enjoyed cooking and baking, making spaghetti sauce with her sisters, and making rabbit stew for her husband. Her other hobbies included hiking, kayaking, camping, and attending concerts with family and friends.
Surviving in addition to her husband and two daughters, a brother, Charles F. “Chip” Snyder, Jr., husband of Doreen (Vlassis), of Lititz, three sisters, Chris A. Cunha, wife of Antonio, of Lancaster, Patti A. Geiger, wife of Thomas, of Boiling Springs, Kathy M. Guidos, wife of Joe, of Conestoga, sister-in-law, Donna (Marrow) Snyder, of Lancaster, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Michael A. Snyder.
Wes, Liz, and Kelley would like to express their appreciation to everyone at the Hospice & Community Care inpatient center in Mount Joy for their care and support during her stay.
A Celebration of Sue’s life will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 3 pm at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pk. The family will receive friends at a closed casket visitation at Snyder’s on Sunday from 3–6 pm and again on Monday from 2–3 pm prior to the funeral service. Interment will be private on Tuesday in the Greenmount Cemetery, Highville, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sue’s memory to Hospice & Community Care 685 Good Dr, Lancaster, PA 17604.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
March 25, 2020
My heart and prayers go out to ALL our family and relatives with the passing of Sue. She was one of the sweetest, funniest and a most caring person who was loved by many. She was so positive and such a strong lady. I feel so honored to say Sue was my cousin. RIP Sue, I know you are looking over everyone!
Kathy Mentzer
February 26, 2020
Chip,
I was sad to read of Sue’s passing. It was always a joy to see her when I attended services for loved ones who passed earlier. I smile just thinking about her cheerful and sweet personality. May God provide you, Christine, and the entire Snyder/Bleacher family with comfort and peace during this most difficult time. We send our love and prayers to you all.
Tom and Barbara Young
February 25, 2020
Dear Bleacher and Snyder Family,
Our thioughts and prayers are with your family. How lucky Sue was to have each one of you. We saw personally how devoted you were to her at Hospice Care and how lovingly you cared for her each day. You never left her alone.
We have fond memories of being with Sue as Band Parents of the Penn Manor Band. What fun Sue was! She always had a big laugh and smile!
One fond memory is of Sue and Linda climbing a tower in Baltimore built to honor George Washington. Sue and Linda were chaperones of the Penn Manor Band during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade when they decided to climb the tower before the parade. Well they managed to climb the tower and view the sites of Baltimore. They even successfully descended the tower. But when they reached ground level both of them were not able to walk. Their legs locked. They were supposed to march behind the Penn Manor Band, but now they could not walk. They were going to hop on a float and ride through the parade but they couldn’t even walk to a float. Finally, their legs unlocked and they were able to join the Penn Manor Band. During their last visit at Hospice they reminisced about this event and laughed and laughed.
In the midst of caring for Sue at Hospice two members of your family took precious time to visit our family during the Life Celebration of Life for our family member Ron Darrenkamp. How touched we were that you reached out to us in the midst of our sorrow even though your family was greatly suffering. Your act of empathy spoke volumes to us and touched us greatly.
May God grant you peace in the midst of your sorrow.
Linda and Gaylon Geiman
February 24, 2020
It is with much sadness that I learned of the passing of your precious wife, mother, sister and friend from pancreatic cancer.
Sue was a dear friend to my wife, Peggy, and myself when we were struggling with Peggy’s Parkinson’s Disease and Hodgekins Lymphoma. She passed in 2015. I am currently in FL and was unable to attend any of Sue’s services.
She is in my prayers and I will be eternally grateful for her friendship.
May she Rest In Peace!
Frank Rosol
February 24, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Bleacher and Snyder Family. Sue was an angel! Sorry I could not be there in person to pay my respects. Tug you last….! Todd Wenger
February 24, 2020
So sad to hear of Susan passing. She was a fun, hard working, giving person and I just always enjoyed being with her. She sure was the good fighter and I sure hoped she would beat this disease. Condolences and prayers to the Bleacher and Snyder families who she loved so much. May God give you peace through this time of loss. Duffy Johnson.
February 24, 2020
Our sincere condolences to your entire family! Sue’s smile and laughter will always bring a wonderful memory!
Jack and Mary Warrenfeltz
February 24, 2020
Dear Chip and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Sue when our daughters were in band at Penn Manor HS.
She was so pleasant to talk with and of course, always had a beautiful smile.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jay and Fara Lampart
February 24, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to everyone who loved Sue.
I was sitting in the hospital after my surgery and knew something was wrong. I had not received flowers. A few days later work called to tell me that Sue was in hospice. In the 13+ years I knew Sue, she always sent me flowers when I was in the hospital. Even when she was fighting cancer, when I came home from the hospital, she had a couple of meals made for me and my husband. She was always taking care of everyone.
We all looked forward to seeing her pickup up her latest order at the foundry. She always had a laugh and a smile for each of us and special hugs for those who need them. We will all miss her dearly. She was a truly special person.
Andrea & Michael Zimmerman and the employees of Paul W. Zimmerman Foundries
February 24, 2020
So sad to hear of my cousin’s passing. I know she has put up a unbelievable fight over the last 3 years. You are way to young to go. Prayers to the entire family during the very difficult time.
Bob, Sue, Nicole Zeller, Mike, Kayla and Emme Resh
February 24, 2020
Chip, Christine and the Snyder and Bleacher Families
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Susan will truly be missed. She had such an infectious smile, was always pleasant and willing to help, and I was so hoping that she might overcome the disease.
Some of my fondest memories are my grade school years spent at the funeral home mostly with Chip, Chris and Susan, playing ball and riding bikes with the “kids” from King and Ann streets, the lessons learned from your Dad and the evenings spent babysitting and answering the telephone when the Snyder family took the day off.
May you be encouraged, strengthened and greatly blessed by God’s graces and His compassionate love.
As always,
Theresa(Crnkovich)and Charlie Broich
February 23, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. I’ll never forget the time when Sue called me at work to tell me my cat gave her quite the scare when it had snuck downstairs at the Millersville home and decided to be her office assistant for the day. Her laugh brings a smile to my face even now. I’m so glad I had the chance to see her a little over a month ago when my grandmother passed- greeting me with a smile & a hug- still helping others navigate through their losses. She was a special lady. Our deepest sympathies to the Bleacher and Snyder families. ~ Jen & John Stipe (and the Kirchner/Bair family)
February 23, 2020
I will always remember Sue as that friendly, popular girl from church who always had her hands into something and did it with a smile on her face and a kind word to share. She brightened your day when you ran into her! My heart goes out to the family, and I pray that your many good memories of her will bring you comfort and peace.
❤️ Barb Navin
February 23, 2020
Chip, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister Sue. My condolences to your entire family at this difficult time..Please passmy thoughts and prayers to all. God Bless all ..
Mike Krushinsky
February 23, 2020
Chip and family,
We were saddened to read of the passing of Sue. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Suzanne and Barry Solodky
February 22, 2020
Dear Bleacher and Snyder Familys, We are so sorry for the passing of Sue. We extend our Deepest Sympathy and are “Thinking of your families at this difficult time…May her memory be eternal and everlasting. Sincere Sympathy, Mary Jane and Arthur Pavlatos
February 22, 2020
To the Snyder family,
I want express my sincerest condolences. I’m in shock. I did not know sue was ill. I have many wonderful memories with her at the funeral home and at the Millersville business assoc meetings we attended together. She was truly a special lady. She will be missed by so many. love all of you,
Michele (Rebman) Duke
February 22, 2020
OUR MOST SINCERE COONDOLENCES TO THE SNYDER BLEACHER FAMILY. LARRY AND BARBARA FAGAN
(FRIENDS OF CHRISTINE CUHNA)
February 22, 2020
Liz-
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I didn’t know your mom, but I am sure she was a very thoughtful and wonderful woman just like the daughter she raised.
Mark Kichler
February 22, 2020
Wes and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Sue. Her legacy lives on in all she touched. May you find healing and peace from your wonderful memories. Bonnie Burger
February 21, 2020
Chip and Family:Extending heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your beloved sister Sue. Also sending sincere sympathy to her husband Wes, daughters Liz and Kelly and extended family.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish you peace.
Susan Berke Minnich
February 21, 2020
Dear Chip,
So sorry for your loss. All of our thoughts and prayers coming to you and the family.
Michael, Susan and Sara Steinbaecher
February 21, 2020
So saddened by the passing of our cousin Sue. She was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.
We lost an amazing lady and loved one. Heaven has gained an angel and a bright shining star. Love to the ALL the family!!🙏❤
Kathy Mentzer
February 21, 2020
I was saddened for the family when I saw Liz post that her mother had passed away. I certainly know the loss & know that Sue was a warrior as was Harold. Please know that my prayers are with all of you. Comfort comes from knowing that God will hold you close and carry you on days that it is just too much. Love to you all.
Joni Godshall
February 21, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to the Bleacher and Snyder families. May you find comfort and healing knowing that Susan touched so many lives, and may your memories help your healing as time goes by.Fred Didyoung
February 21, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Snyder/Bleacher families for your tremendous loss. I knew Sue from many years ago when we were students in high school at St Joseph Academy and always remember her as a friendly and fun person to be around. She will be greatly missed. So very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Chris Baxter
February 20, 2020
Dear Snyder and Bleacher families,
We were saddened to hear of Sue’s passing. May you find comfort in knowing that prayers of consolation are being lifted on your behalf during this most difficult time . May God continue to hold you close today and in the days ahead and May He give you a peace that passes all understanding.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dean and Vanessa D. Preston and family
February 20, 2020
Dear Chip and family: So sorry to see that Sue passed. How sad 2 of your siblings had the pancreatic cancer, a dreadful disease. May you have many fond memories of good times with them. Sending sympathy to all of you.
karen fralich
February 20, 2020
To Sue’s Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you and please accept our sincere sympathy. Love, Diand and Dennis Jefferson and family
February 20, 2020
It was with sadness to learn of Sue’s passing. A Pilates mate who kept us smiling. She will be missed.
Sincerely, Patricia Stadel
February 20, 2020
My sincere condolences. I have many memories of Sue when I would be at your house hanging out with Chris. Also when she would come into Snavely & Dosch for something she would always make me laugh. So so sorry for your loss.
Gerry Lichty Potts
February 20, 2020
To the Snyder/Bleacher families…our sincere condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paula Funk
February 20, 2020
Chip and family; We send our sincere sympathy to you all; Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss!
Jim & Kathy Long
February 20, 2020
To ALL her family: Your loving care and devotion to Sue was a deep comfort to her and to all of her friends. She loved you all so much. You are the best! I grieve with you but also celebrate her life and the fact that she is now enjoying heaven and free from her earthly struggles. Meeting Sue in First grade at St. Anthony’s (almost 60 years ago) was the beginning of a beautiful, life-long and forever friendship. I am left with profound gratitude for that blessing. Sue had a joyful spirit. A mischievous grin. A twinkle that promised fun. At the same time she was deeply compassionate and kind to everyone. I will miss her very much. Till we meet again, old friend. Love, Retta
February 20, 2020
To the Snyder / Bleacher families,
We are so sorry for your loss
Suzanne Myers, Kenny, KJ , Kerek & Koby Myers
February 20, 2020
Chris- Many condolences to you and the rest of the Snyder family. I have memories when she would stop in to see you at the office on Shippen Street. She always had a smile on her face. Praying God gives you strength during this very difficult time.
Phyllis Ramirez
February 20, 2020
my deepest condolences to family and friends.I just heard about her passing what a shock to me !! Rest In Peace Barb!!!❤️clyde
February 20, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Sues passing. She was a wonderful lady who was always smiling. I knew Sue for many years as our daughters went to school together. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.
Cathy E Berdiner
February 20, 2020
To the Snyder family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember Sue in my prayers, and offer Mass up for her on Sunday.
Fran Lombardo Spangler
February 20, 2020
Oh, I am heart broken to read the Obits about my dear Aunt Flo, and I see Sue’s face pop up. I feel like Sue has been in my life forever, not like we were best friends – but when you were in her presence – you sure felt like she was your best friend! I grew up with all of the Snyders, and I remember having slumber parties above the funeral home – I have some really funny memories of those times!!! Chris & Chip – PLEASE Know that I am praying for you .. and celebrating Sue’s wonderful legacy right along with you. What an empty spot in the world with Sue not in it – But I am quite sure she is Lighting up Heaven – just like she lit up everywhere she went here on earth!!!!!!!!
Judy Shultz Daily
February 20, 2020
Chip so sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and all of your family.
Deb sharrow
February 20, 2020
I met Sue at my sister Bonnie Weiss’s home. Their daughters are friends from the neighborhood & school. She was a lovely spirit inside & outside. She will be missed & remembered by her legacy.
Love,
Brenda Miller
February 20, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Sue was such a lovely lady. My sympathies to all. May she Rest In Peace
Kerry Halloran
February 20, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I met Sue at Willow Valley where her mother was staying. What a beautiful women through and though.
God Bless your family
Patricia Blank
February 20, 2020
Please accept our condolences. She will be missed by many.
Francisco/Arlene Castro
February 20, 2020
So sorry to hear about this tremendous loss! She helped a lot when I was in marching band with Liz, and I remember her infectious smile and how incredibly caring she was for everyone. On one particular night during a competition, she took notice I was going through something and went out of her way to send me an encouraging candy gram. I will always remember how amazing she was. Sending my sincerest condolences to her friends and family.
Adrienne Walck (Ott)
February 20, 2020
Chip,
so sorry to hear about your sister Sue. Her journey was long and courageous.I remember her well growing up on East King St. Blessings to you, your family and her family in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Rick& Sharon Heisley
February 19, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sue was a very special lady.
Don and Cheryl Youtz
February 19, 2020
im sorry for thevlost of sue i remember working with her and for the snyder family they are like family to me .
Sue u will be missed and ur always were a strong woman
marco matos
February 19, 2020
It Is with much sadness as I think of the loss of Sue. Her laughter was a call to life, joy, caring and strength. One just felt better after hearing that call of her laughter. It truly had something very special about it, lifting ones heart and soul just a little… Something one never forgets.
I know we will spend our remaining days searching in vain for that loss but, the memory will never pass. We will forever see and hear that amazing smile and laugh. The world is a lesser place without you in it Sue, Wit’a tear in me eye Lass… on wings of angels.
Danny & Linda McGinn
February 19, 2020
Please accept our condolences and our sympathy. joe and Libby kambic
February 19, 2020
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere sympathies. Susan was a loving, caring, sincere person who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time. Sincerely, David & Carolyn Brown (Carolyn Shoemaker Brown)
February 19, 2020
Sue was always the light and laughter at any function. Her stories were legendary, her laugh, contagious. I knew Sue for many years as a racquetball friend and heard about her live for her family and experiences her overall caring. Roxanne McRoberts
February 19, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Snyder and Bleecher family. Sue and I use to work together years ago. She was such a wonderful person and I enjoyed our conversations. We would always get together to chat when she worked for the funeral home and helped me pick out our family cemetery marker or when we were there for different family and friends funerals. She was always so helpful, so kind – such a loving person and will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melanie Mills
February 19, 2020
Our sincere condolences to her family at this sorrowful time
She will be missed. I will miss her visits to Village Greens with her Grand Children and husband
Gods Blessings on her and her family
Mike and Marna Kirkham
February 19, 2020
What a wonderful friend we have lost. We will miss you Sue! Our sincere condolences and sympathy to the Snyder and Bleacher Families.
Rick & Shirley Long
February 19, 2020
So sorry for your loss. I met Sue thru using SNYDERS when one of my family passed away. She was such a help, and it seemed like we talked forever, as it turned out we knew a lot of the same people, living in the country. GOD BLESS YOU ALL RIP, SUE
Cindy Maysilles- LaCon
February 19, 2020
So sorry for your loss, our condolences for all the families.
Nery Liriano and family
February 19, 2020
I am so sad to hear she lost her battle with her cancer. She was a wonderful lady and always so easy to talk to. I will miss her and her wonderful smile. Prayers to you all.
Kay Miller
February 19, 2020
My very sincere condolences to all the families of Sue. What a great person and so much fun.
She will be very missed.
Pam Critchfield
February 19, 2020
Our most heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to your family. You have suffered yet another loss in your close knit family.
Sally and Ed Flick
February 19, 2020
Thanks sue we always had this thing were u would say how they treating u and I would say it’s your family and we would laugh. Thanks sue for just that great smile.
Dean Preston
February 19, 2020
So very shocked and sorry for your loss… I remember her fondly…. sending hugs to all of you … and may she Rest In Peace💕😞
Lori Hemphill
February 19, 2020
Wes, Liz and Kelley,
It is with a very heavy heart that I learned that Sue had been stricken with Pancreatic Cancer and has passed away. My daughter Erika went to school, and was a very close friend of Kelly throughout their early years when we lived in Letort Manor. Sue and I spent time together at school functions and did the usual ride sharing and sleepover dates with our girls.
Sue was always so much fun to be around and definitely had an infectious laugh that made everyone feel better just from being around her.
I moved away from Lancaster many years ago but never forget about the people who had an impact on my life and that of my family and I am a better person because I knew her.
I am sure that you are feeling relief that her suffering is over and that she is finally at rest even as difficult it as it is that she is gone. Please know that you are in my thoughts!
Warmest regards,Deb Albright/Hengst Lafferty
February 19, 2020
God needed a great angel to help him. He chose a wonderful, caring, loving person. Be at peace, dear girl. You will be greatly missed.
Lucille Campbell
February 19, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss you deeply and your memories will be treasured forever.
Love the Weiss Family
- Visitation
- Sunday, February 23, 2020
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Monday, February 24, 2020
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Monday, February 24, 2020
- 3:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
