Sr. Grace Snyder, OSF
Sister Grace Snyder, a Sister of Saint Francis of the Neumann Communities – Millvale, died on April 13, at the Vincentian Home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex Snyder and Eva Mae Gush; her brothers, William and Jack Snyder; and her sister, Sr. Alicia Snyder. Sister Grace is survived by her loving sister, Eva Mae Slavonia. She enjoyed her many nieces and nephews, including Bill (Rebecca) Snyder, Sandee (Roderick) Lalley, Bob (Maryanne) Snyder, Nancy Snyder Rodriguez, Tim Snyder, Gwenn(John Karr), Keith Snyder, and Kathy Snyder, along with great-nephews, great- nieces, great-great-nephews, great-great-nieces and cousins. Sister Grace Snyder entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale on July 16, 1948, from St. Leonard Parish in Monessen. At the age of 19, she accepted her first teaching assignment in teaching sixth-graders at St. Joseph School in Mt. Oliver. From the very beginning, Sister Grace was impelled to discover the individual and unique gifts within each student. Through her desire to see the best in each child, she completed 50 years of teaching. In addition to her teaching duties, Sister was the moderator of the Third Order of Secular Franciscans in the Mon Valley for 16 years. For another 10 years, she gave instructions to the pre-associates for the Millvale Franciscans. In 1999, Sister Grace retired from teaching and served in the business office of the Millvale Franciscans as claims processor until 2016. After 67 years, Sister Grace retired from active ministry. For the remaining years of her life, Sister Grace continued to connect with family, friends and former students. She kept an extensive list of addresses so that everyone on that list received birthday and holiday greetings on a regular basis. As her health continued to decline, Sister Grace was accepted into residence at Vincentian Home. Her ministry of card and letter-writing continued even when she continued to receive the compassionate care offered by Bethany Hospice and Vincentian Home staff. Sister began in life in the small Mon Valley town of Monessen and until the end of her days, she fulfilled her favorite scripture quote: “Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.” [Micah 6:8] Visitation will be at St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford, PA 15090, at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Mount Alvernia Cemetery. Professional services have been trusted to D’ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD. in Pittsburgh, www.dalessandroltd.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, 225 Greenfield Parkway, Suite 208, Liverpool, NY 13088.
