Evelyn was a first-generation American, born in Oak Park, Illinois, on November 4, 1921. Her parents, Joe Freed and Jenny Pildes Freed, were Jewish Latvian immigrants seeking a better life in America at the turn of the twentieth century. She was the reigning matriarch of the Freed-Pildes dynasty of Tulsa and Houston. She was the last surviving member of the Tulsa Central High School Class of 1939. She was a member of Congregation Emanu El since 1954. She was an avid reader and superb artist, and devoted many hours to public service.
Evelyn was a “career gal” as well. Her professional background as an executive secretary was in great demand by major companies like Lufkin Industries and Marathon Oil.
Evelyn is preceded in death by Norman Snyder, her husband of 54 years, and by her beloved soul-mate, Morris Trifon, who passed away in 2007. She is also predeceased by her three sisters, Sarah Smith, Ruth Pulaski Lack, and Betty Cohen.
Evelyn is survived by her three children, Judy Stein, Jeanie Rubin, and Richard Wayne Snyder; by her four grandchildren; and her four great grandchildren.
Family and friends wish to include a special note of appreciation to her son, Richard (“Ricky”), who cared for Evelyn for the past 11 years. A noted Texas educator, coach, and mathematician, Ricky abandoned his career and retirement to provide his mother with the life of a queen, seeing to her every want and need. For Evelyn Snyder, Ricky’s efforts at giving his mother a wonderful quality of life were nothing short of heroic.
Evelyn made a wonderful difference in the lives of hundreds of people over the past 99 years. She is one of life’s great success stories. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
