Obituary of Pauline Snyder

Pauline Snyder died Monday, May 21, 2018, in Olympia, Washington, just six days short of her 90th birthday. She was born May 27, 1928 in Madison, Wisconsin, to Sam and Helen Stein. Pauline attended the University of Wisconsin, where she met her husband, Leonard Snyder. They were married in 1948. After several years in Chicago and Poughkeepsie, New York, they returned to their favorite city, Madison. There they raised their two daughters, Nancy and Karen (aka Rosemary, who died in 1984). In the 80s, they moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for Len’s work. Pauline worked at home and volunteered in the community until her daughters left home, and then enthusiastically entered the job market. Her favorite jobs were supervisor of tour guides at the Wisconsin State Capitol, and investigator for a state consumer protection program. Pauline and Len loved to travel. Their many cruises included one from the U.S. West Coast all the way to Australia. Pauline was especially excited about her trips to Italy and to China. Art was a focus when traveling and at home. Pauline loved parties and entertaining. Her New Year’s Eve parties were legendary, as was her cooking. In 1990, Pauline and Len retired and moved to Lacey, Washington, to be near family. Although she was happy to leave behind the cold and snow, Pauline remained loyal to Wisconsin for the rest of her life. She was a fervent Badger football and hockey fan, as well as a Packer devotee. Shortly after moving to Washington, Pauline and Len took in Karen’s son, Nicholas “Nik” Snyder. He remained in the family home with Pauline until her death. Len predeceased her in 2004. For the last 12 years, Pauline lived at the East Bay Harbor Condominiums where she had dear friends who partied with her at Wednesday Happy Hours. She was a member of Temple Beth Hatfiloh, where she enjoyed socializing at the Senior Schmooze. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Snyder, and son-in-law Gary Schneider of Olympia; her grandson, Nik Snyder of Olympia; and her granddaughter, Hannah Snyder of Waltham, Massachusetts; as well as cousins and special friends. Besides her husband and daughter, she was predeceased by her brother, Melvin. Please leave memories of Pauline or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.