Cynthia E. Snyder

It was easy to see that Cynthia Snyder treasured her family. Life wasn’t without times of trial for Cindy, but she faced whatever came her way with both grace and strength that were truly an inspiration. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The first half of the 1940s was defined by our nation’s involvement in WWII. It was finally in 1945 that the war came to an end, bringing dancing into the streets. The years that followed were transitional years for America, but life was able to return to normal as rationing was no longer in place and manufacturing wasn’t focused on supporting the war effort as it had been. It was during this exciting time that John and Juanita (Scofield) Katsma were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as November dawned in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1947. Their wait was over on November 18th when the baby girl they named Cynthia Emily drew her first breath. She was the youngest of eight children as she was joined in her family by her siblings, Shirley, Dorothy, John, Janet, Roger, Linda, and Robert.

In many ways, Cynthia, or Cindy as she was often known, was a typical young girl of her generation. Her father supported their family as an iron worker while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Raised in the family home in Burton Heights, Cindy often helped her mother around the house as a young girl. She also frequently babysat for her nieces and nephews who lived in the area. Cindy attended local schools.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Cindy’s introduction to the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. They met in a rather interesting way as she ended up dialing the wrong number and striking up a pleasant conversation with the man on the other end - a man named Larry Snyder. As they talked, Cindy and Larry agreed to meet for a date, which led to more dates. In time, the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, the sweethearts were married on February 19, 1966. Larry worked as a polisher and welder and millwright at Steelcase, which allowed Cindy to focus her time and attention on raising their three children, Larry who was born in 1966, Terry who was born in 1967, and Carrie who was born in 1970. Their family lived in a home on Riverbank on the city’s Northeast side on the banks of the Grand River. She loved living on the river, watching all the birds and wildlife that were a part of the environment around her.

Their family meals were always homemade, and they were always eaten at the table as a family. Birthdays were special occasions in Cindy’s home, and the birthday person always had a cake or pie made specifically for them by Cindy. She was a fantastic seamstress who loved sewing outfits for her children when they were young. Cindy also knitted and crocheted many gifts for family and friends over the years. She made many throws, socks, baby blankets and quilts. Because she loved being at home, she was never one to really venture out much. When she wasn't watching the scenery outside her window, Cindy could often be found reading and was a regular at the library. She liked mysteries, suspense, and the occasional historical romance novel. She also enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, ice skating, and boxing on television.

Later in life Cindy continued to delight in her family. She enjoyed hearing what the grand kids and her great grandchild, Skylar had been up to. Sadly, Cindy was diagnosed with lung cancer five years ago. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy and radiation, which sent her cancer into remission. She had less than a 20% chance of making it five years and she surpassed that. Early this past week, Cindy was hospitalized and then diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Her health quickly diminished from there, but she was so blessed to draw her last breath with her family by her side.

All who knew Cynthia Snyder would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was kind and loving with a spirit that blessed her family. Cindy was content with the simple things life had to offer.

Deeply loved, she will be forever missed

Cynthia E. Snyder, aged 70 of Grand Rapids, passed away at Mercy Health St. Mary’s on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Born November 18, 1947 she was the daughter of the late, John and Juanita Katsma. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Shirley (Ralph) Horton, Janet Elam, John Katsma, and Linda Adamy. She is survived by her children, Larry (Susan) Snyder, Terry Snyder, Carrie (Ken) Wayt; her grandchildren, Mike (Elizabeth) Snyder, Tom Snyder, Stacey Snyder, T.J., Emily, Victoria, Jessica, Brandon, Megan Snyder, Grace, Abbie, and Joseph Wayt; and great granddaughter, Skylar Snyder; her sister and brothers, Dorothy Kluiter, Roger (Betty) Katsma, Robert (Pat) Katsma; sister-in-law, Judy Katsma, brother-in-law, Frank Adamy; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Van Andal Institute for Cancer Research. A service to celebrate Cynthia’s life will be held at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, on Monday March 19, at 6:00 PM with family visitation following. To read more about Cynthia’s life, to leave your own memory of her and to sign her guest book, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com