Margaret Virginia Snyder

Margaret was born to Gladys and George McFarland in Sturgis, South Dakota, the 6th of 10 children. She grew up on a busy cattle ranch. During these years she worked hard, cared for her younger siblings, and excelled academically. She was pretty and well-liked at school. Margaret developed qualities that stayed with her throughout her life: a profound respect for education, remarkable self-discipline, fearlessness, fierce independence, and a love for the outdoors.

In 1957, Margaret graduated from the Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, SD, with a degree in education. She first taught in Morenci, Arizona, where she met and married John Henry Snyder. Military service brought John and Margaret to Ft. McClellan, Alabama. Margaret continued to teach while navigating the challenges of her husband's career--between 1959 and 1985 the family lived in Minneapolis MN, Carlsbad NM, Riverside CA, Lancaster CA, Menlo Park NJ, El Paso TX, Alamogordo NM, El Paso again, Houston TX, and Barranquilla, Colombia (South America). In 1985 Margaret settled in Las Cruces NM where she lived until 1992. Her career took her to Phoenix and then Tucson, where she retired in 2001.

Margaret earned a Master's degree in Accounting in 1977 at the University of Houston. As an accountant she worked at PetroTex and the IRS in Houston. She worked for the US Air Force in Las Cruces, Phoenix, and Tucson. Margaret traveled widely, visiting her children and grandchildren in Mexico, Germany, Turkey, and Costa Rica, traveling by RV across the US and Canada, as well as teaching English in China.

She instilled her love of the outdoors and of reading on her children, who remember her as a fearless advocated for their education, an avid reader, and amazing cook. Margaret was protective and fearless—one time returning from Juarez Mexico where the family had dined at a famous steak restaurant, she faced down and scared off a would-be armed mugger.

Margaret is survived by her children and grandchildren: Jacqueline Snyder, Richard Stiegler, John and Raquel Snyder, Janet and Steven Janoski, Elisabeth Stiegler, Jessica and Kevin Snyder, and Hailey and Jacob Janoski; and by her sister Emma Bickley and sisters-in-law Dodie and Ardith McFarland.

Margaret was a passionate gardener, planting roses, iris, lilies, and apricot trees at each of her homes.

Margaret had a special love for the deserts of the Southwest. She walked each morning to enjoy the sunrises. Her family believes she continues to grow lovely pink and red roses, while listening to her favorite NPR programs.

Her family will hold a private celebration of life on March 29 at Margaret's home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to One Spirit, in support of the South Dakota Lakota Pine Ridge reservation. https://www.onespiritlakota.org/

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.