Elizabeth “Betty” Caroline Snyder, 79

September 06, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth “Betty” Caroline Snyder, our loving mother and unflinching family matriarch, on September 6, 2021.

She left us while sleeping peacefully in her home in Gordonville, PA. She joins her devoted husband of 35 years (Bob Snyder) and daughters (Denise Worthington and Betty) in eternal peace. Betty is survived by her daughters (Janice Menkevich, Paula Fellenbaum, and Jamie Snyder), siblings (Paul Read, Frank Read, and Nancy McKee), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Betty lived life on her own terms. She was fiercely independent and proud to be called “sassy.” And, of course, she loved showing off her new nose ring. Most importantly, however, she was a loving and supportive mother. There was no mountain she wouldn’t move for her daughters and no end to the lengths she would go for her nearest and dearest.

Those who knew her best will remember Betty never came to a family event without a car full of her greatest culinary hits: banana bread, pound cake, potato salad, and macaroni salad to name a few. She was careful to always bring more than enough food to feed the whole gang and send them home with leftovers. When she wasn’t whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, she could be found tending to her beautiful garden or taking care of her chickens. On the rare moments when she sat down to relax, she enjoyed cuddling with her dog Buddy and three-legged cat Kitty.

Betty cared deeply about the world she would leave to her children and grandchildren. She was passionate about equity and human rights and yearned to see our country embody its promise of the American Dream for all. She also donated regularly to local emergency services and various social programs.

Though we know you’re at peace, we also know that nothing will ever fill the you-shaped hole in our hearts. We’ll profoundly miss your goofy sense of humor, your laugh, your heart, and- of course- your poundcake.

Save us a slice up there.

A private celebration of life will be held for close family on Saturday, September 11th at 1 PM at her home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cancer Research Institute or the American Civil Liberties Union.