Carol Snyder

Carol Sue Snyder passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Alden Park Strathmoor in Rockford IL.

Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1938, in Evansville IN to Bill and Ethel Alexander, Carol was the fifth of eight children. She continued to tell people she was brought home wrapped in a flag, but her mother told her that was not true. Carol attended Evansville schools and graduated from Bosse High School.

As a freshman at Elmhurst College, she met Jerry Snyder. The two became one on March 29, 1958 in Evansville, and started their married life in Freeport IL.

Mom to Lee Ann (Craig) Jones, Sue (Tom) Short, Sandi (Jim) Miller, and Rob (Jessica) Snyder.

Grandma to Kaitlyn (Jon) McCauley, Natalie (Jake) Amundson, Alexander (Bailey) Short, Spencer (Rubi) Short, Kelly Short, Payton Wohlford, Beau Miller, Gabby Snyder, Mila Snyder, and Jax Snyder. Great-grandma to Noah, Sam, Ryan, and Ivy.

Sister to Jack Alexander, Dorothy (Paul) Ebinger, Bob (Ginger) Alexander, Don Alexander, and JoAnn (Dale) Westover. Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

God gave Carol a heart that loved children; especially grandchildren. Her time as a grandma brought her the most joy.

Carol loved the outdoors, especially working in the dirt. Her green thumb was evident as she became a Master Gardner. She also loved long walks, taking in all that nature had to offer. Later in life, Carol created paintings of flowers, plants, and everything outdoorsy, whether it be on a canvas, an empty wine bottle, or anything unique she could grab at a local thrift shop or garage sale. Many homes and businesses enjoy her creations as part of their décor.

Carol spent most of her working career as a teacher; GAA and PE classes at Aquin High School, and preschool at her own home school, Open Bible, and Prince of Peace, as well as exercise and gardening classes.

Volunteering was very important to Carol. She spent countless hours helping FACC, Contact, and Bethany Church’s many ministries, including the creation of The Cancer Closet which provided at-home medical equipment to those fighting cancer. A similar service was made available to Jerry during his battle and she wanted to pay it forward to other families.

Carol also personally encountered cancer, yet was able to beat it multiple times. Carol and Jerry served as Grand Marshalls for the American Cancer Society of Stephenson County.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry, and her siblings Shirley and George.

The family appreciated the time, care, and love shown to Carol by the many friends she encountered during her life’s journey. Special thanks to Spring and her entire staff at Alden Park Strathmoor, as well as Family Centered Hospice.

Carol will be missed by everyone whose life she touched. She maintained a special place in her heart for FACC, Head Start, and the Master Gardener program at the U of I Extension office. In lieu of flowers, a donation to any of these organizations is greatly appreciated by her family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, IL, with Rev. Gavin Brandt officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport, IL.