Nancy Joan Snyder

Nancy Joan Snyder was born on May 15, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas to Frank and Marion Bitter and passed away on January 20, 2024 with family by her side. Nancy attended Alamo Heights schools and in high school she was a member of the band, the majorette, on the school newspaper staff, and a member of Quill and Scroll and National Honor Society. Nancy was valedictorian of the 1954 Alamo Heights class. Growing up, the Bitters were active members of Madison Square Presbyterian Church. Nancy and her sister Barbara were great friends and remained close until her death. Barbara was one of her greatest supporters in life.

Nancy attended the University of Texas, where she pledged Chi Omega, was involved in Spooks, Mortar Board, and Orange Jackets. She was honored as a Blue Bonnet Belle and lived in the Christian Faith and Life community before graduating in 1958. Her senior year of college she met and married David Snyder, and they moved to San Angelo, Texas where Dave was coaching high school tennis.

The University of Arizona lured David away from Texas to Coach the Wildcats tennis team. While in Arizona Nancy became a mother to Rodney, Douglas and Allison. Taking classes in the evenings, Nancy earned her master’s In English. The Snyder’s were very involved in Saint Mark’s Presbyterian Church.

After coaching a number of Top 10 National tennis teams at Arizona, Dave was hired by Darrel Royal to succeed Wilmer Allison at the University of Texas after Allison retired in 1972. Nancy began teaching English at Westlake High School in 1980. Many of her former students have shared the impact she had on their ability to write and express themselves effectively.

The Snyder’s were involved in Westlake Presbyterian Church, and Westlake United Methodist Church. As a result of her involvement with Westlake United Methodist she went on the Walk to Emmaus. She was subsequently very involved in a weekly Emmaus reunion group. Also important to Nancy was the Fellowship Sunday School class.

Most important to Nancy was her family. She adored and respected her husband David, who passed away two months ago. She gave so much love and support to her children Rodney (deceased), Doug and Allison.

Nancy was predeceased by her loving husband Dave of 65+ years, their son Rod Snyder, and their son in law Art Daily. She will be missed by their children Doug (Lori) and Allison, grandchildren Bailey, Reed, Rider, & Burke, great grandsons Ford, Beau and Vilhelm, her sister Barbara Ayres and extended family.

Celebration of Life services will be Friday, February 2, beginning at 2:00 pm, at Westlake United Methodist Church, 1460 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX.

A reception will be shared at the church immediately following the service.

Donations may be made in her memory to Westlake United Methodist Church, 1460 Redbud Trail, 78746, or online at https://onrealm.org/WestlakeUnitedM/-/form/give/now (Choose "special donation" and place in the memo line "in memory of Nancy Snyder") or to the non-profit her daughter runs, Pathfinders (www.pathfindersforyou.org) P.O. Box 11799, Aspen, Co. 81612.