Obituary of Patricia Snyder

Patricia Snyder 3/17/1930 - 5/23/2014 Patricia Tollefson Snyder was born March 17, 1930 in Rochester, Minnesota to Theodore and Maud Tollefson. Pat was raised in Rochester, leaving there to live with her aunt in Evanston, Ill., upon the death of her parents when Pat was thirteen. She graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1948 and returned to Rochester for her nurses training at Kahler School of Nursing. In 1951 she completed her RN degree and worked in several capacities as a nurse until she was appointed assistant OB supervisor at Tucson Medical Center in 1962. She spent the next twenty-some years in Labor and Delivery, ending her years there as manager/head nurse in charge of L/D. In addition, in 1981 she was awarded a B.S. degree from the College of St. Francis. Throughout her stellar career in nursing, Pat was the recipient of many awards and commendations. Pat loved watching the sunrises and sunsets from her home in the Tucson Mountains. She loved adventure, playing blackjack and traveling the world, whether by ship or rail. Especially dear to her heart were the children she met while visiting the Mayan Villages in Guatemala. A staunch Norwegian, she cherished the time spent at her cabin in the Colorado mountains. She was a loving and thoughtful friend, one who remembered everyone's birthday. We will all miss her outsized personality, sparkling blue eyes, and boisterous, heartfelt laugh. Pat is survived by her longtime partner, Jean Emrick; her son, Mark Snyder of Oro Valley; grandson, Tim Snyder of Tucson; granddaughter, Stacy Snyder of Burbank, California and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and three siblings. The family is exceedingly grateful to the staff of Agape Hospice for their immense support over this last year. A special thanks to RN Kristy Gintz, whose visits gave Pat so much pleasure. Any remembrances one might choose to make in Pat's name can be made to Agape Hospice, a local food bank or your favorite charity . In accordance with Pat's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will be held sometime in the near future. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.