Nancy Lee Holtz Snyder

Nancy Lee Snyder (nee Holtz) – passed away December 22, 2012, from complications of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Within three years, this devastating illness, for which there is no treatment or cure, first took away her ability to speak, swallow, eat and drink, then the ability to write and finally her ability to walk. Throughout the progressive stages of this horrible disease, Nancy maintained her good natured spirit and upbeat attitude for which she was known. She adapted to each debilitating stage and made the best of it. Helping her throughout this trying time was her son, Daniel Glenn Snyder, and CNA Kaylei Hicks.

Nancy was born in Chicago July 1, 1935, growing up during the hard times of the Great Depression. Being somewhat of a tomboy, she liked to climb trees, especially the one outside her second story bedroom, which enabled her to climb onto the roof and lay there watching the stars. Now she is enjoying a much closer view.

She attended the University of Illinois where she joined Theta Upsilon Sorority. She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1958. While finishing her training as a registered nurse at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital, she met and married Glenn Snyder. When her husband, a civil engineer, was employed to design levees around a New Orleans suburb, she moved with her three year old daughter, Pamela Lynn, and started a new life in New Orleans. Soon a second child, Daniel, was born, followed by Kenneth Lee. She embraced her new city with enthusiasm, working as a realtor, running for local office, and opening a small neighborhood restaurant and pub.

Her life changed once again, when following a divorce, she moved to Mobile to be nearer her aging parents and worked as an occupational nurse at Halter Marine, fearlessly climbing down into the holds of ships to help the sick and injured. Later she worked for twenty years at Acordis Fibers, a division of Courtauld’s, and made many friends that greatly enriched her life, and she theirs. In retirement, she enjoyed taking many trips with the Fairhope Travelers, with her sister to Europe and with her grandchildren to Disney World. Still at tomboy at heart, she loved watching her sports, especially tennis and Auburn football, in fact any football game, no matter who was playing.

She leaves behind her three children, Pamela Erath (Mark), Daniel and Kenneth Snyder. She was very fond of her seven grandchildren and was proud of what fine young adults they all grew up to be. They are Sarah, Julie, Valerie, and Ryan Erath, Daniel’s son, Patrick Snyder, and Kenneth’s children, Thomas and Samantha Snyder.

Nancy wanted to thank Lynn and Linda and the ALS Support Group for all the information and support they provided. She also very much appreciated the assistance of Judy, Kristine and Evangeline from Amedisys for their therapeutic care.

A memorial visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home in Saraland on Saturday, January 26, 2013, from 2-4 p.m. There will be a private family service at a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alabama ALS Association, Box 2888, Huntsville, AL 35894 in Nancy’s memory. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, Alabama 36571.