Donna Ellen (Zeff) Sneider

Donna Ellen (Zeff) Sneider was born November 24th, 1948 in Brookline, MA. She passed away on Saturday September 24th, 2022 after a brief illness surrounded by her loving children. She was predeceased by her parents Yvette and Leo Zeff and stillborn daughter Courtney. She is survived by her children Lauren, Evan and Matthew. Remembrances of her will permeate the stories told by her children, just as she helped keep the memory of her own parents alive after losing them far too soon.

Donna was raised in Arlington where she enjoyed close relationships with nearby family. She would fondly recall the many family events hosted by her parents that bonded her with relatives in a way that provided companionship few only children enjoy. Her parents instilled in her strong family values, a foundational Jewish identity, a love of arts and a talent for cooking and baking. Donna was a graduate of Belmont High School and went on to receive a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Boston. She moved to Wayland in 1973 where she raised her three children, and developed meaningful and longstanding friendships in her new community. Donna described motherhood as the most important, satisfying and defining role of her lifetime. She modeled resiliency for her children and taught them to deal with adversity effectively. Donna’s fierce advocacy led to the integration of “Just Like Me,” a disability awareness program into the Wayland Public Schools which has impacted students for over thirty years. Donna cared for many children through a long standing and well respected home day care that allowed other families to experience her innate knack for nurturing and inspiring growth and creativity in young people. Most recently, Donna was living in Marshfield with Lauren and Evan; Matthew lives nearby in the same community, allowing opportunities to gather frequently. Donna’s amazing talent for cooking and baking was often a part of these events and was readily enjoyed by all. Her culinary creations reflected her artistic abilities and were as visually appealing as they were delicious. Donna loved to read and was a regular patron of local libraries, wherever she lived. She enjoyed the performing arts and fostered this love in her children. She loved animals and shared her life with many. Her nurturing warmth was magnetic to people and animals alike.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress or the MSPCA-Angell.

In keeping with Donna’s practice, we request that guests in the chapel and at the Shiva wear face masks to reduce the potential transmission of Covid-19.