Linda Mae Snyder, veteran, devoted mother

Linda Mae Snyder, passed away in the peace of her own home Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, surrounded by family. Linda was born in 1941 in Paterson, N.J., to Thomas and Eleanor Van Saun (née McFadden).

Linda was a 1958 graduate of Paterson High School and Hackensack School of Nursing. After nursing school, Linda was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. She was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, Ill., where she met the love of her life, Mike Snyder. They married April 3, 1965. 

As with many women from that generation, Linda sacrificed a career to start a family. She devoted her life to her husband and kids, crisscrossing the globe over a 28-year military career. She could pack and organize like a pro, and always made us feel like we had a home.  

The light of her life was her kids and grandkids. You didn’t drop by for a short visit without her putting out a spread of food and encouraging everyone to stay the night. She loved corralling the kids for nights of games, movies and storytelling. She was gracious, stubborn, the first to laugh at a good joke and a penny-pincher with great skill in stretching budgets. 

Linda is survived by her husband of 58 years, Mike Snyder; along with three sons and their families, Mike (Kent), Tom (Lynn) and Bryan (Eileen). She was a doting grandmother to 12 grandkids, Christopher, Kayla, Colin, Maggie, Patrick, Kate, Frank, Nora, Lucy, Bridget, Judy and Tess. 

The last four years of her life were very difficult, as rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s gradually diminished the proud lady we all knew. Through it all, our father demonstrated love and compassion in caring for her at home, and keeping her safe. 

Linda will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but she lives on in each of us. 

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE  19963. Without our caregiver and hospice team, we would have been lost. 

Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.