Vivian Joan Snyder
Vivian Joan Snyder, 94, a longtime resident of McLean, NY, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, in Sunrise, Florida.
Joan was born on December 7, 1931, in Syracuse, a daughter of the late Harold and Anna (Dwyer) Gower. Joan graduated from Homer High School, Class of 1950. Joan married Robert "Bob" Snyder on January 25, 1951.
Joan worked for many years as an assembler at Smith Corona (SCM) and retired to become a caregiver to her late husband, Bob, and her dear friend, Betty, for over 30 years. She was a past member of the McLean Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Post 800 American Legion Auxiliary, Groton. Joan was active in her community and her special pastimes included crocheting, baking cookies, and being known for her delicious fresh apple pies. Joan enjoyed tending to her flowers and yard. Joan was also a planner and would create a clear plan to organize her time to make sure everyone and everything was taken care of. A special talent of hers was in teaching by example on caregiving and time management.
Joan is survived by her children: Nancy Comfort (Bruce Comfort), John Snyder (Shari Clement), and Brian Snyder (Nora Snyder); her brother, Paul Gower (Arlene Gower); sister, Cathy Bush (Dale Bush); grandchildren: Jennifer Massey (Dickie Massey), Stacey Twigg (Chris Twigg), and Chris Comfort (Lisa Comfort); great-grandchildren: Austin Buleu, Megan Comfort (Brian Mencias), Hanna Tarbell (J. D. Tarbell), Kara Beth Comfort (Nick Mann), Kartyr Hubbard, Koda Hubbard, Dylan Massey, Logan Massey, Declan Twigg, Sullivan Twigg, Brendan Comfort; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Robert R. Snyder, in 2003; a son, James D. Snyder, in 1955; a brother, Harold Gower, in 1993; a sister, Peggy Dalley; and three grandchildren: Donna Snyder Buleu in 2017, Steve Snyder in 2019, and Bryan Snyder in 2020.
A calling hour for family and friends will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Avenue, Groton. A graveside prayer service and interment will be held shortly afterwards at 11:30 AM at St. Mary's Cemetery, 4101 West Road (NYS Rt. 281), Cortland. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.shurtleffservices.com.