Beverly A. Snyder

Born Beverly Ann Drankie on August 13th, 1954, Beverly grew up in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood on Chicago's south side. Her journey in life led her far away from Chicago to experience unforgettable adventures abroad while living in Europe before eventually settling down with her husband, Alan Snyder, in Utah to start their family. From the moment that her sons, Shayne & Justin were born, she devoted her entire life to them and showered them with her immeasurable love and encouragement in life. She was also a lifelong lover of animals, particularly cats (which there was never any shortage of in her home), and formed deep, lasting bonds with the many animals that joined her throughout her journey in life. Eventually her journey led her back to Chicago with her sons where many further unforgettable memories were forged.

She was known for her loving heart, goofy sense of humor, voracious reading habits, and compassionate nature towards all living things. Whenever life presented her loved ones with a problem, she always went out of her way to help them find a solution. Her maternal wisdom and guidance will be forever missed.

Beverly wore many hats career-wise throughout her life, but the most fulfilling job she ever held was working alongside her sons as one of the principal puppeteers of William B. Fosser's Opera in Focus. In addition to performing puppet operas for audiences from around the world, she proudly served as the backstage "Crew Mom" for everyone in the troupe, offering hugs and words of encouragement during stressful times. She made it a point of warmly greeting and chatting with each patron who came backstage, and was always looking forward to the next performance.

Beverly was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John R. Drankie and Angeline Drankie (nee Pawlikowski); her brother, David M. Drankie, and her sister, Mary Lynn Trembley.

She is survived by her sons, Shayne (Amanda) Snyder and Justin (Michelle) Snyder, her adored grandchildren (Shay, Anna, & Zachary), many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends whose lives she left an indelible impression on.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Beverly's memory and words of remembrance may be sent to: Opera in Focus, 5620 North Nagle Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60646