LANCASTER—Mary Elizabeth Hester Snyder, 91, wife of the late Colonel Richard C. Snyder of Lancaster, passed away peacefully in her home on May 31, 2019.
Born in August of 1927 in Bladenboro, N.C., the daughter of the late Lawson and Attie Mae Hester, Mary spent her childhood in North Carolina on their large family farm with her seven brothers and sisters. They produced most of their food year round as well as tobacco, cotton and peanuts.
As a young bride, Mary wed Currie C. Hester of Clarkton, N.C., with whom she had and raised two children in Kenansville, N.C. Mary then moved to Northern Virginia to continue her career in the insurance industry.
Mary met and later married Dick Snyder in 1969. Mary lived in Alexandria for 27 years and worked as an independent insurance agent. She established the first woman-owned bond agency registered in Washington, D.C.
After discovering the Northern Neck, and weekending for 14 years, Mary and Dick became permanent residents of 32 years. Mary was a very active member of Saint Mary’s White Chapel Episcopal Church, a longtime member of the Alter Guild and several other outreach activities. She was also past president of the local garden club.
Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and loyal friend. Always impeccably dressed, she was an excellent hostess and cook, loved crocheting, taking care of her flowers, gardens and pets. The greater family was always welcome and have many wonderful memories of time spent playing, visiting, gardening, tractor rides and boating.
She is survived by her son, John Hester (Sherry) of Reston; daughter, Joyce Henderson (Gary) of Justin, Texas; stepsons Peter Snyder (Beth) and Steve Snyder (Rick); eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sisters, and two infant daughters.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Saint Mary’s White Chapel Episcopal Church, Lancaster, Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Virginia, 1328 Tappahannock Boulevard, Tappahannock, VA 22560.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
