Adelaide Mary Snyder

Adelaide Mary Snyder (“Laddie”), of San Diego, passed away on December 16, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on December 18, 1935, she was the daughter of Helen Agnes (nee McDonnell) and Warren Putnam Davis of Philadelphia. Laddie graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart Overbrook and later attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she was an active student leader, serving as president of her class and of the Women’s Student Government Association. She played field hockey and basketball, was a member of Pi Lambda Theta, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education.
Laddie’s teaching career began in New Jersey, where she taught middle school math at Pennsauken Jr. High School, before continuing in Illinois at Helen Keller Jr. High School. Passionate about service, she was also deeply involved with the Girl Scouts, the YMCA, and provided pastoral care as a counselor in Catholic parishes, including St. Ansgar in Hanover Park, IL, and St. Isabel in Sanibel, FL.
In 1958, she married James Howard Snyder of Altoona, PA, and together they raised five children. The couple moved to Sanibel, FL, in 1983, where they built a home and enjoyed retirement. Laddie was an active member of the SW Florida Symphony Chorus and enjoyed traveling on concert tours abroad. She also participated in numerous activities with Jim’s band, Satin Jazz, and supported Sanibel Big Arts. Laddie was dedicated to helping her community, volunteering to assist migrant farm families in the area.
She was a woman of many interests, including music, history, cooking, interior design, swimming, camping, cross-country skiing, and entertaining. Laddie’s love for life was reflected in the warmth and joy she shared with family and friends.
Laddie was predeceased by her husband, Jim, who passed away in 1997. She is survived by her five children: Howard Snyder, Kathy Dolan, Barry Snyder, Warren Snyder, and Diana (Michael) Kittelton; seven grandchildren: Michael (Pilar) Dolan, Eireann (Sean Doolittle) Dolan, TJ (Amanda) Dolan, Kristen Snyder, Blake Snyder, Violet Snyder, and Breitling Snyder; and three great-grandchildren: Madeline, Emerson, and Conner Dolan. She was also predeceased by her half-brother, Leo Davis, in 2011.
Laddie will be remembered for her love of family, her commitment to service, and her zest for life.