SNYDER, Jean Dutton
Jean Snyder of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17, 2019 at the age of 95. She achieved her big goal as she celebrated her 95th birthday still living in her own home.
Jean was born and raised a proud Calgarian. She attended Central Collegiate Institute in Calgary, where her father was the principal. Jean supported the war effort by working in Washington, DC and fondly remembered the cherry blossoms in spring. Her Dad’s nickname for her was “Juniper”, and she proudly chose that for the licence plate on her car.
Jean worked at Canadian Western Natural Gas as an Executive Secretary, where she met her husband Bev Snyder. They were married on November 21, 1953 and enjoyed forty-nine years of marriage. She nurtured three children from Bev’s previous marriage and three children born to her and Bev. She was a quintessential homemaker and spent every summer making pickled carrots, antipasto, jams and jellies enjoyed by family and friends alike. Summer trips to cabin #5 at Bluebird Bay Resort in Kelowna, were some of her happiest family times. Jean and Bev loved to entertain in their home, especially their famous Boxing Day parties. Her hobbies, when she had quiet time, were needlepoint, crocheting and knitting.
Jean pursued her passion for music and was an icon of the Chinook Winds Show Chorus. Achieving a fifty-three year history within CWSC and Sweet Adelines Inc., she learned everything there was to know about the chorus and the organization. She was always available for new and seasoned members, including the Director(s), to listen and share ideas. In the last few years, she stepped off the risers but was the Administrative Assistant to the Director. If there was ever a question of protocol in the past few years, there was a chorus mantra, “Just call Jean”. Jean’s other family was Chinook Winds and they will miss her smile, her wit, and her saying “Yes!” when we rang chords. “No-one will ever fill Jean’s shoes”.
Jean was also a very active member of Scarboro United Church. Jean sang in the choir, as well as counted collection in the administrative office and drove seniors to Sunday service. A proud moment of achievement was to sing with the mass choir at the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. In retirement Jean and Bev travelled the world, cruised every autumn and made many friends around the globe.
Jean was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and caring friend to many. She is survived by her children Laurie Simpson, Patricia Heitman (Barney), Ross Snyder, Barbara McGowan (Wade), Keith Snyder; her grandchildren Linda Simpson (Jane), Shannon Simpson (Dan), Valerie Simpson (Antonio), Maureen Deacon-Rosamond (Kevin), Alberta Brown (Rob), Jennifer Bourk (Dwayne), Jeff Snyder, Brian Heitman (Mitch), Matthew McGowan and Michael McGowan; and 10 great grandchildren! She is also survived by her sister-in-law Laurie Dorrett, and leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Jean was predeceased by her husband Bev, her daughter Gail Snyder, her brother Bud Weir, her son-in-law Gary Simpson, her daughter-in-law Patricia Snyder, and her parents Jean and Frederick Weir.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada at www.crohnsandcolitis.ca/Ways-to-Give. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of AgeCare Midnapore for their loving and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
In living memory of Jean Snyder, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
Everyone is welcome to leave condolences for Jean's family on the McInnis & Holloway website.
