Obituary of Lois Elane Snyder

Lois Elane Snyder passed away at the Vineland United Mennonite Home on March 23, 2021, three days after her eighty-fourth birthday. Lois is survived by her brother Richard (Elvi), her sister Miriam, Richard’s children, Jeff, Greg, Kevin, Terri and their families, and Miriam’s son Ben. 

Lois was born March 20, 1937 in Jordan Station, Ontario. She attended Jordan Station Public School for grades one through five, and then was tutored by Educator Barb Coffmin for grades five through eight. Lois was self-motivated, and completed a Distance Learning course later in life through Back to the Bible.

Lois was fun-loving, kind, loyal, intuitive and sensitive to the needs of others. If you were fortunate to know Lois, you would likely have experienced her warm hugs and kisses on your cheeks. Knowing her and watching her cope with her own unique challenges was an inspiration to many and someone to be greatly proud of.

In her preteens, Lois often took care of her younger siblings after school, while her parents were working. She also helped on the family farm, sorting through fruit and whatever else she was able to do. She found great joy in taking care of flowers, and most especially the red roses. She could often be found pruning and tending the roses in their garden. 

Lois was an avid reader throughout her life.  She could often be found with a book in hand, and enjoyed reading outside under the trees in her backyard. Lois also typed many letters over the years, approximately one hundred and fifty letters each year. These were sent to her extended family, and to missionaries serving all over the world. She filled her letters with encouragement and loving words for the recipients. She was never ashamed to share the gospel with others and to talk about all of the ways that God had provided for her.

Lois also enjoyed traveling with her parents, Wilfred and Lavina over the years. They traveled to Florida, Mexico, California, British Columbia, Alberta and Indiana, where they would visit with family and attend conferences.  Music was also an important part of her life. She loved listening to acapella music, whether at home or in concert venues. Lois also inspired her mother to start a disability club, where people requiring extra support were able to gather, find encouragement and establish friendships, some of which would last a lifetime.  

Lois had a great sense of humour and loved playing card games and crokinole. Her family and friends have many fond memories of Sunday afternoons, playing card games like Rook, Cat in the Corner, Pitt and other lively games. There was much laughter and joy around the dining room table.

Lois lived with cerebral palsy. She had a keen mind, a joyful smile, a wonderfully mischievous side to her personality, and a heart full of love!  She had an indomitable spirit that inspired all who knew her well. Lois spent her last thirty years living at VIneland United Mennonite Home, and it became her home. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff for their care of Lois. 

Lois will be deeply missed by her family and friends.