Irene L. Snyder

Irene Louise Snyder, 80, made her final journey home on Saturday, March 28, 2015, in Glenmont, N.Y., surrounded by her family. Born on Feb. 12, 1935, in Williamstown, she was a daughter of Frank and Anna (Usuka) Langes.

She grew up with her sister, Mary, in Williamstown. A graduate of Williamstown High School, she was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Civil Service Bureau of Employment Security for 32 years. It was there she met many close and lifelong friends, friends she treasured.

She met the love of her life, Ron Snyder, whom she married on Sept. 19, 1959, at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church in Williamstown. She and Ron bought their first home, a beautiful ranch, in Marysville. Together they enjoyed gardening, puttering around their home, and traveling to sporting events. Initially a Penn State fan, they later turned their blue and white in for blue and gold and joined the fans of Notre Dame.

Irene was a lifetime member of St. Ann’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Harrisburg. She initiated and chaired the church’s Bingo. She served her church as a volunteer at church picnics, was a baker and pierogi maker and more. She was a woman of great faith with special devotion to our Mother Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Jude. She thanked her fellow parishioners for their prayers, cards and baked goods. Friends and acquaintances could depend upon Irene to assist if she could by running them to doctor appointments, church and shopping. She was a great shopper! And was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Preceded her in death was her husband, Ron, in 1997.

Survivors include her sister, Mary Laicha, and husband, Michael; nephew, Father Michael Laicha; nieces: Barbara Brandt and husband, Bob; Mary Ann Hospodar and husband, Dr. Paul; great-nieces and great-nephews: Paul, Sarah and Nicholas Hospodar; and Maria Brandt. She was everyone’s “Auntie” and enjoyed participating in family events, holidays, sporting events and family vacations to Stone Harbor without her hearing aids. She was loved.

Irene learned of her diagnosis on her 80th birthday. Her family wishes to thank Dr. Azizkhan, all the staff at Holy Spirit Hospital, and Holy Spirit VNA for their care and compassion. The family also wants to thank her special friends on Boston Court who were like family for their gift of friendship and kindness. Special thanks to the maintenance staff of Delbrook who made her life easier. God bless Community Hospice of Albany, N.Y., for their compassion shown not only to Irene, but to her family.

A visitation will be held Monday, April 6, 2015, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg, where a Parastas will be held at 7-8 p.m. Funeral Devine Liturgy will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2015, 10 a.m., at St. Ann’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 5408 Locust Lane, Harrisburg with the Rev. Michael Popson, her pastor, officiating, and her nephew, the Rev. Michael Laicha, concelebrating. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Mechanicsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.