Eloise Colleen Snyder

COLUMBIA - Dr. Eloise Colleen Snyder was born May 13, 1928 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. She died unexpectedly on November 24, 2015 at Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia, S.C. She was predeceased by parents, Michael and Mildred Bartos and grandparents, Jacob and Rebecca Snyder, with whom she spent most of her youth. A precocious child, she was church organist from age 12 until leaving for college. While still in high school she was manager of a local delicatessen. Eloise received her BA in Sociology and Psychology from Lycoming College in 1952. She continued studies at Pennsylvania State University earning both M.A. and Ph.D degrees. While there she was mentored by Dr. Jessie Bernard who played a significant role in her orientation to sociology. Dr. Bernard, whom Eloise credited for her career success, remained a source of inspiration and encouragement over the years. During this time, Dr. Snyder was quite proud of her Mensa affiliation. Dr. Snyder was Assistant Professor of Sociology at Southern Illinois University where she taught and engaged in the marriage counseling program. She contributed several articles to scholarly journals and , co-authored “Marriage: An Examination of the Man & Woman Relationship” (with Herman Lanz). Desiring a warmer climate, she accepted a position at the University of South Carolina as Professor of Sociology. This was her introduction to southern culture and hospitality. She quickly immersed herself in its charm and, along the way, with cooperation and guidance of Judge J. McNary Spigner at Richland County Juvenile Court, published “The Impact of the Juvenile Court Hearing on the Child”. Dr. Snyder maintained interest in this area throughout her stay in Columbia. She then moved to Columbia College as Professor of Sociology and was instrumental in the development of field practice for students pursuing careers in social service. She mentored many students, made many friends during days at Columbia College but, her Alma Mater soon beckoned and she returned to Penn State at Dr. Bernard’s encouragement. Dr. Snyder culminated her academic career at Penn State. She was instrumental in developing the Women Studies Program and edited “The Study of Women: Enlarging Perspectives of Social Reality” published in 1979. Dr. Snyder frequently lectured at national meetings and served as a consultant to university programs and women’s organizations. She retired from Penn State with emeritus status in 1986. From then until her untimely death she lived in Columbia, S.C. She developed interest as a venture capitalist and helped numerous small businesses, particularly in the area of construction. She established the Eloise C. Snyder Foundation to support religious education programs. During later years she supported Christian Talk Radio (WBAJ) and contributed to Columbia First Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lexington, S.C. She leaves behind her sister, Nancy Mindick (Charlie); nieces, Melissa Rossi, Colleen Bresnock (Brian), Nicole Letcher (Scott); great nephews, Roman Rossi, Braden Bresnock and great niece, Lexis Bresnock, all of Hazelton, Pa. She will be deeply missed by longtime friend, Geneva “Ginnie” Wilkins as well as Sam Cable, a friend and long-time business acquaintance, both of Columbia, S.C. Dr. Eloise C. Snyder’s ashes will be buried in the family plot in Hazleton, Pa. at a date to be determined. Those interested in an expression of sympathy may contribute to the Eloise C. Snyder Foundation, c/o Central Carolina Community Foundation, 2711 Middleburg Drive #213, Columbia, SC 29204 or to a charity of one’s choice.