Loraine S. (Stelmach) Snyder

Loraine (Stelmach) Snyder, 87, of Colchester passed away Wednesday July 19, 2017 at home.  Loraine was born in Dudley MA, on February 22, 1930 to the late Joseph and Barbara (Pyra) Stelmach. The 13th of 14 children, she was predeceased by all of her brothers and sisters and cherished son-in-law, Scott Mackler.  For nearly 62 years, Loraine was the beloved wife and dancing partner to Richard. Together they enjoyed summers in Cape Cod, the UConn Huskies, gardening, and a lifetime of exercise and good health.  She was Richard’s devoted email assistant, occasionally signing off with the disclaimer,  "This is Loraine Snyder, and I do not approve this message!"  Loraine was a loving mother to Lynn Snyder-Mackler (Michael Axe), Kurt Snyder (Kathleen) and Jane Snyder DeMaio (Paul), setting an example of unconditional love, commitment, and hard work.  Her home was a lovely haven for all with her hand finished molding and braided rugs. She showered her family with all that was needed in life. She was a role model and trailblazer, even becoming a shop supervisor at Pratt and Whitney where she worked for 24 years.  Her example encouraged and inspired her family. She never stopped learning and achieving, even taking up roller blading at the age of seventy.  Loraine’s pancakes were coveted by her grandchildren, Kris Snyder (Jess), Alexander Mackler (Laura) and Noah Snyder-Mackler (Kelsey Lucca), and Jackie and Aaron DeMaio. With Richard, she cared for each one when they were babies getting right down on the ground to play! Her great grandbabies Sam, Sadie, and Bridget were a delight, bringing joy to her last days.  In recent years Loraine had many caregivers whose loving support enabled her peaceful transition in the home she loved.  We are forever grateful to Claudia, Barbara, Gerri, Shirley, and Sheila.  Loraine, La, Mom, Grandma – you were generous and loving and steadfast.  You loved us deeply and that will sustain us now and forever.  A Memorial Service celebrating Loraine’s life will be held Sunday, July 23rd, at 3 PM in the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, 949 Main Street (corner of Main & High Streets), South Glastonbury, CT 06073.  Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Yale's Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), 295 Congress Ave, BCMM 436D, New Haven, CT 06519 (e-mail adrc@yale.edu).