Michelle Snyder Obituary

Afterglow -

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one, I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Your Loving Family

Michelle was many things to many people a daughter, mother,grandmother, aunt, friend, but I was one of the luck two that got to call her sister. My big sister was always my protecter from things. Things as simple as a walk home from school, a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen a house to go to, to escape reality if only for an hour or two. No matter what the problem I always felt better after talking to her, laughing with her. I am the women and the mother I am today because of having her as my sister. I will be proud to share the memory and the stories of Michelle with Jordyn one day her aunt her godmother. We love you Michelle and I know that you will still protect me for the rest of my days. I will love and miss you forever.

What is a Sister? To me a sister is a person to grow-up with, to share your secrets with and to be there for each other. Michelle and I are only 17 months apart in age so we did everything together. We were in Girl Scouts together, dance lessons, field hockey and track. She was my playmate and best friend. Growing up we did not have many neighbors so we had no choice but to play together. She was my dance partner when we made up dance routines, my marco polo buddy in the pool and my Barbie playmate. All of my memories growing up are of Michelle and I, and I would like to share some of the memories with you.

We were spy's together - every Christmas morning I would wake Michelle up first and we would sneak downstairs and check out all of the presents. We would shake them to figure out what they were. Then we placed them back the same way we found them and woke up mom and dad.

We also had chores to do together – one of them was using the pooper-scooper to clean up the yard. One time Michelle and I where joking around and she made me laugh so hard I fell to my knees on a pile of poop and I had corduroy pants on. Sorry mom that had to be a mess to clean up!

My sister was a caring and loving person that would do anything for you. An example is when we went to Girl Scout camp for the first time when I was like 8 or 9 years old for 1 week. Michelle was in a different unit than I was in. I was very homesick on the first day – when it was time to go to sleep I could not stop crying. They got my sister and she slept in my cot with me all night. She made me feel safe and loved.

I also remember being extremely nervous to go to 7th grade because 7th thru 12th was all in the same building. Michelle said that she would be there to protect me if I needed her to. She had my back then and always.

I found a quote that I feel described my relationship with Michelle – ‘Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life.' Like any siblings we had our fights – I remember when we were in high school Scott picked us up at our house to drive us to school. As we were driving to school Scott and I decided we were hungry and wanted to skip 1st period and go get something to eat. Michelle insisted that she had to go to school and could not be late. Now, anybody that knows Michelle would find that hard to believe – but it is true! She kept telling us she had to go to school on time. So we dropped her off at school. When we were leaving the parking lot a teacher (Mrs. Knerr) spotted us and the end result was we were called into the principal's office later that day and we received detention.

As we grew older and had our own kids we became even closer. Michelle loved her 2 daughters! Ashley and Amanda - you are what Michelle lived for and she spent her whole life trying to be the best mother possible. She would do anything for you and was always thinking of you. She is very proud of both of you and loved you very much! As I have told your mom in the past I love you both like you are my own children and I am here for you whenever you need me.

Michelle was also the best Aunt ever. Michelle watched my kids 2 days a week for me and they loved to go to Aunt Michelle's house. Tyler – you were her little Ty Guy – Aunt Michelle was so excited when you were born. So happy to have a boy in the family! Sydney – Aunt Michelle would always say “I have always wanted a blond haired blue eyed girl and now I finally have her”. She loved you both like you were her own children. When you guys were 3 and 1 years old on Mother's day we got Aunt Michelle a Cookie cake that said Happy Mother's day and brought it to her house. I remember her saying but I am not their mother and I said yes you are, you are their second mother. There is nothing she would not do for the 2 of you.

Michelle - you are my sister, my forever friend, the greatest mom, aunt and daughter anyone could hope for. Michelle, I love you very much and will miss you terribly.

Love Always and Forever – Your Sister Tammy

Michelle you are our baby our first born.

I tell everybody the story of the time you and Tammy were about 2 & 3 years old, the two of you poured powdered Mr. Bubble in the floor heating vent in the bathroom and thought it was great when the heat came on and it was like it was snowing.

When we moved here and had no trees in our yard I would pack a lunch and you and Tammy would go into Mr. Fritzingers' lot under the tree and you called it The Magic Tree because it gave you shade.

When you were 12 and your sister Jessie came along you were like a second mother to her, you always took care of other people before yourself.

In your teenage years you gave us a Real run for our money but we never stopped loving you and we never will. Like the time you had the car accident and you were afraid to call me so Tammy called and said it was only the bumper, what she conveniently forgot to tell us was you hit a bridge went through the guard rail, took out several trees went down a 30 ft. embankment and ended up in a swamp, the only thing on the street was the bumper, but you told us you took the keys and locked the car so no one could steal it. (not even the tow truck guy) These are things we laugh about now.

When she started her own family she became a very loving mother and would do anything for her girls. She gave her life to save one of her children and for that she will always be our HERO.

We had our bad times and our good but you were always one of our babies and you were taken from us much too soon, we will always love you and miss you in ways we can't put into words.

Love you now and forever

Mom & Dad

Grandma,
You were the proudest grandma of my two babies. You gave everything for Brayden and Kyla and you always made sure you gave them everything you could.

I am so glad you witnessed the birth of both of my babies. You were right there by my side the whole time.

I am so glad Brayden had the opportunity to make you breakfast in bed for your first time ever; even though he took all your bacon and ran with it. You had a big smile on your face.

You loved when he would wake you up in your room and say gamom and ask for your chocolate.

He will always be told all the wonderful things about you and all the things you did for him.

As for Kyla; you only had the chance to get to know her for two short months but in those months you got to see her everyday and most importantly; you got to welcome her into this world.

This isn't goodbye, it is see you soon.

We love you always and forever Mommy and Grandma

Mom,
I don't know where to start; I still feel like this is all a bad dream.

I have so many different emotions that I am feeling and have been feeling. I guess I will start with my life with you. Since I can remember you would always call me your peanut, even up until now.

You were not only my mom but you were my best friend.

No one will ever take your spot in my heart. I will always remember your beautiful smile and hear your laugh. All I have to do is look at Ashley and I will remember what you look like.

I will never forget you.
I love you!

Where do I begin when speaking about my beautiful mother?! There are so many thoughts and feelings running through me; I guess I'll begin with when I was younger, start from the beginning, right?

I remember all the different cheering events she took me to; even when it was freezing cold out, she would sit and watch because she knew how much joy it brought me, and that brought her joy. Even though I was the cheerleader, she was my cheerleader.

Then when I was in high school, I joined track, which made my mom so proud because I was following in her footsteps. When we advanced to states, she would write me notes saying how proud she was and how she knew that I could do it. All throughout, my mom was my #1 fan; she was at every track meet cheering me on.

I remember the night I got the call from Cedar Crest College stating I was accepted and would start in the fall of 2005. We were sitting at the dinner table, everyone in their normal seats; I can even remember what we were eating- steak sandwiches with pierogies and French fries. The phone rang and being a female senior in high school, I, of course, had to answer it. I never thought I would hear the following words. The lady asked for Ashley Snyder and when I confirmed it was me, she congratulated me on being accepted into their program. I screamed and started crying. My parents had no idea what was going on. I hung up the phone and told them what happened and my mom couldn't have been more proud of me. I knew at that moment I had the support of my mom and, with that, I could do anything.

A few years later in 2009, my mom was so excited and happy for my wedding. She was so proud of the relationship Ben and I had. On my wedding day, she was beaming; she had a smile from ear to ear the whole day; she looked absolutely beautiful.

On mother's day 2012, we shared some of the best news with my mom. We surprised her with the news of becoming a grandparent. We were having a picnic and when my mom saw our dog's shirts that read “we are pregnant”, she couldn't believe it! She put her food down and gave me the biggest hug. She was beyond excited to be a grandma to another baby.

During our pregnancy, I had complications and every time I received bad news, she was the first person I would call. She would always have the right thing to say to calm me down. When I received the news of having to be induced because Benjamin was in danger, she again was the first person I called. She came and was by my side immediately. I truthfully didn't want my mom in the room once the delivery began, but in that moment, I was so scared and having my mom there was calming.

I know I am only 26 but I have a lifetime worth of memories of my mom. Yes, some are good and some are bad, but they are all memories I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Mom, during the past few days, I have been told amazing things about you. People I don't even know are reaching out to help, but the most treasured thing I have been told is how much I remind people of you and how we are so alike (which before I hated, especially when people thought we were sisters and worse yet twins, but now I love that people thought that of us). A friend wrote to me, “Thankfully, she passed so much of her beauty, inside and out, on to you. Benjamin will continue to know her unconditional love through you, and she has had the greatest opportunity of all - to hold and feel the love of her grandchildren.” Mom, I want you to know you will forever be loved and greatly missed. You were an amazing mom and the proudest grandma. I will forever tell Benjamin stories about how much you loved him, how much he meant to you and all you did for him. I love you more than you know. Please watch over us. We love you, always and forever. xoxoxoxoxo

Children Do Not Realize

As children, we can't comprehend
or fully realize
The meaning of a mother's love,
how tender and how wise,
Her patience and her guidance,
her helpful, caring ways,
The special, thoughtful things
she does
to brighten up the days.
Years go by, before we know
the depth of her concern,
The love in her protectiveness--
it takes so long to learn...

Michelle,

Though I have only known you for a short time, I know that my life and all those that have been lucky to know you, are changed forever. You're beautiful spirit will live on in you're amazing family, you're precious grandchildren, and all those that you have encountered. You will be greatly missed.

If tears could build a stairway
and thoughts a memory lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again.

No Farewell words were spoken
No time to say good-bye
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knows why.

My heart's still active in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.

But now I know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store.

Since you'll never be forgotten
I pledge to you today
A hallowed place within my heart
Is where you'll always stay.

Michelle - For someone who is never at a loss for words I find it amazing that when it comes to saying goodbye to you I simply have none. How do you say goodbye to one of the very first friends you ever had...someone you grew up with and spend so much time with? Our parents were the best of friends from the time we were small and I always thought of you and Tammy as more my sisters than my friends. I look at your daughters...Ashley looks SO much like you that it stops me in my tracks. I've decided that the only way to stay close to you is keep track of your girls and their families. I won't miss you the way they do because as we grew older, or lives and our families and the responsibilities of jobs and such didn't allow us to see each other as much...we'd reached the point in our lives where we only saw each other at occasional family birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and funerals....but just knowing you're not here and not going to be there ever again is a pain that bothers me every day. I will keep an eye on your babies and your grandbabies...I will tell them stories of our adventures growing up and I will smile when I think of you. You will be missed.

As I sit in Heaven
And watch you everyday
I try to let you know with signs
I never went away
I hear you when you're laughing
And watch you as you sleep
I even place my arms around you
To calm you as you weep
I see you wish the days away
Begging to have me home
So I try to send you signs
So you know you are not alone
Don't feel guilty that you have
Life that was denied to me
Heaven is truly beautiful
Just you wait and see
So live your life, laugh again
Enjoy yourself, be free
Then I know with every breath you take
You'll be taking one for me...

Grandma,
I know we only had a short 8 months together but you were the best grandma anyone could ever have. I will play with all the wonderful toys you have given me, especially my eeyore blanket. I love this blanket very much, it goes with me everywhere. My mommy has also been telling me stories about you everyday and how you have done so much for me, my mommy and my daddy. I look forward to hearing more stories about you as I get older. Thank you for loving me and being the best grandma ever.
I love you always and forever! xoxo

Ashley, your mom sat behind me in English class when she carried you. My personnel joke was I went to school with both of you, lol. She was an awesome women I will remember the days I knew her.

Ashley, there are no words to describe how heart broken I am for you today. I never had the opportunity to meet your mom, but from knowing you, I can tell she must have been an amazing woman. Your family has been on my mind all day and I will continue to send good thoughts and prayers for your healing and comfort. May angels lead her in. ?

Today was one of the saddest days I've experienced to date. However, the service beautifully depicted Michelle's life. She was an amazing person from what I came to learn about her in the past two years I have known her. Heaven has gained one of the most beautiful people I know. God bless her and her family as the days to come will be tough. Amanda I know you can do it and I am here anytime day or night if you need me. I love you

crossing over
oh, please dont feel guilty
it was just my time to go.
i see you are still feeling sad,
and the tears just seem to flow.
we all come to earth for our lifetimes,
and for some its not many years
i dont want you to keep crying
you are shedding so many tears
i havent really left you
even though it may seem so.
i have just gone to my heavenly home
and im closer to you than you know.
just believe that when you say
my name, im standing next to you,
i know you long to see me,
but theres nothing i can do
but ill send you messages
and hope you understand,
that when your time comes to
"cross over," ill be there
to take your hand
-author unknown
i love you

grandma
I only got to know you for 2 short months but I know you loved me very much<3 I have my mommy and brayden to share stories with about you. I love you grandma <3 please keep me and my brother safe<3 forever in my heart.

grandma
you were the best grandma a little boy could ever ask for. you always made sure I had a smile on face when ever you were around me. I loved eating snacks with you in your room and playing in your mustang, but you didnt like it so much when I would try to drove :) I love you grandma forever and ever. <3 please keep me and my sister safe.

mommy/best friend
I love you so much! I miss you every second of the day. I know your up there watching down on me and my babies. All I ask is you keep me and my babies safe and watch over us forever. I cant not wait for the day I see again. I love you so much mom. Please send me signs that your okay and that your with me.
never a good bye, but a see you soon<3 forever in my heart.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Ashley. Your mother was a wonderful woman who has been taken too soon. I remember her at all of our football games - she was your number one fan! Thankfully, she passed so much of her beauty, inside and out, on to you. Ben will continue to know her unconditional love through you, and she has had the greatest opportunity of all - to hold and feel the love of her grandchildren. There are no words to console you during this difficult time, but know that our family is praying for peace for you all. Lean on each other and know that you are a strong woman, thanks to your mother. She will truly be missed. Thinking of you!! Xoxoxox!!!

I am in utter disbelief to hear what happened to your mother. She was an awesome women with such a big heart. I knew her since she started at Omnicare and she was there for me over the years. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through right now. I will pray for you and I hope I can make it to pay my respects to her. Prayers are all around you right now.

Ashley my heart is breaking for you and your family. (((BIGGEST HUGS EVER))) My childhood memories with you and your mom, are still fresh in my heart. I cannot imagine what you are going through. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way... Xoxo....

I just came back from one of the saddest services of my life. Ashley Collins and Amanda Snyder and families honored Michelle Snyder so beautifully with the word you said. Girls your mother is very proud of you right now and know that she is watching over you. Please know that we are here for you anytime just contact us. We will continue to be prayer warrior for you to help the days, weeks and years get a little easier. This week at Weisenberg's VBS we have learned that God's love helps us stand strong, Family and friends help us stand strong, prayer helps us stand strong and God helps us stand strong. Please stand strong or lean us to help!!

Aunt Michelle -
I love you and I miss you! Thank you for being an awesome Aunt! I will never forget all that you did for me.
Love Tyler

Aunt Michelle -
I love you and I miss you. You are the best aunt ever!!!!I love you now and forever!!!
Love, Sydney

Aunt Michelle I love you thank you for being my godmother and even though your not here to watch over me I'm sure your watching me from above. Sorry for waking you up in the morning when you stayed here. Mommy said you didn't like mornings. I love you! XOXOXOXO

Michelle, it's still not real that your gone. I turned to you for everything the good the bad and the ugly. You were the first person in the family I told when I was pregnant with Jordyn! You were more to me than a big sister you were like my second mom. I don't know what I'm going to do without you around. I think of you daily and talk to Jordyn about you and who/how you were. I know I never told you but thank you for helping me become the person I am today! I love you more than you'll ever know. I know I will see you again one day but till then know that we love you and miss you. I hope I make you proud with Jordyn! Love you XOXOXOXO

Michelle you are our first born and you were TAKEN from us much too soon. You are in our hearts and our thoughts 24/7. We will remember the good times and laugh about the bad. We love you and miss you more than words can possibly say.
Rest In Peace.
Love forever and ever
XOXOXOXO
Mom & Dad

I'm very sorry for your loss. I use to work with her, & she is one of the most nicest people that I ever got to know & meet. My thoughts & prayers are with her & the family in this tragic time. I know that she'll be in good hands now. Michelle will be very missed, & she is very loved. I'll never forget her.

Thoughts and prayers with all of you during this most difficult time. Treasure all your great memories. We are here for you, anything you need, just ask!

Tammy - I cannot begin to imagine the pain you and your family must be experiencing. Despite the years and the distancem please know I am keeping all of you close to my heart.

Tammy - I am so sorry to hear about Michelle. I was just shocked when I heard. I can't imagine what your family must be feeling. I remember sitting with her on the bus in high school! Keep her memory alive iwth her daughters and family always. Take care.

It has been 25 years since I've had any contact with my Breinigsville neighbors, but that does not squelch the sweet memories of my teenage years there. Such a shock to hear of this horrible loss. I'm so sorry for your suffering. I hope that you are all able to find peace in due time.

To my beloved family. Even now I cannot express my sorrow. If there is some way I can take away even a piece of the pain I would do it. Michelle and I had our moments but she was my niece and I was there with you the night she was born. I loved her dearly as I love all of you. Please, if you need ANYTHING you know where I am. Paul, Jeremy and I will miss her greatly. All my love, Aunt Jeannette

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Barb,I am so sorry for your loss and the difficult time you and your family are going through right now. I haven't worked with you in a few years but when I was there you were always kind to me. Thank you. Tom Epler

Michelle,

You are my sister in law but I always thought of you as a step sister because we have grown up together since I was 16 yrs old. I have so much to thank you for like caring for my children and being a big sister to Tammy which made her the strong women she is today. I miss you now and will always miss you. I love you very much and we will see each other again someday. I know you will watch over all of us because that's the protective and caring person you are. I love you!!!

Scott XOXOX

Barb, Jim, Tammy, Scott, Jessica, Ashley, Amanda, Tyler, Sydney,

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Michelle's death. We are here to support you now and always.
If the future seems overwhelming, remember that it comes one moment at a time.

All Our Love,

I am so very sorry for your loss.