Rita Jean Snyder

Rita Jean Snyder, 78, of Stafford, Virginia, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

She leaves behind her three children, Stephanie Snyder (Michael Ikeya), Christina Gilsbach (Michael) and Andrew Snyder (Jocelyn); grandchildren, Alexander and Benjamin Gilsbach; Grant, Luke, Max, and Joy Snyder; sisters, Jane Balzuweit, and Susan Balzuweit; and two very dear friends, Katherine and Troy.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of nearly 25 years, John Robert Snyder; parents, Mary Jane and Heinz Balzuweit of Vandalia, Ohio.

Rita lived a life filled with happiness and an endless supply of creative endeavors. She married her high school sweetheart, John Robert Snyder, in 1969 and started her early working life as a registered nurse. She then devoted her life to raising their three children. After her children were grown, Rita returned to the working world. Among her several careers, her ultimate and most cherished position was with the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra, where she helped bring a wide range of celebrity performers and musical styles to the Fredericksburg community.

A large part of Rita’s charm was her fantastic ability to tell a story and her desire to teach others about the things she loved. She was an exceptional seamstress, and mastered many textile arts, routinely teaching classes in both sewing and tatting, her favorite form of lace making. Rita especially loved the sweet things in life, such as baking and candy-making. She always had a plate of cookies or brownies ready for any occasion. An accomplished pianist, she took great pleasure from watching her grandchildren carry on the tradition at their own recitals.

We let go of a remarkable woman, a loving mother, a devoted grandmother, and a kind soul. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love, joy, and kindness that were the essence of Rita's being. She had a brightness that lit up the world around her. We will miss her greatly.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor Rita's love of life by seeking out new knowledge, enjoying a piece of classical music and a sweet treat, and ultimately sharing these experiences with others. This, we believe, would be the best tribute to her extraordinary life.

At the family’s request there will be no service at this time. A celebration of life will follow at a later date.