Joanne (Siddon) Snyder , VRHS Class of 1978
After a tough, courageous battle against ALS, JoAnne (Siddon) Snyder, age 64, passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024, at home surrounded by family. JoAnne was an amazing partner to her husband John on their journey that lasted more than 47 years. The strength of her spirit and their love for each other was the key to their lasting marriage, their raising of two beautiful daughters (Jennifer and Jourdan), and John's U.S. Army career. JoAnne's daughters gave her great joy and pride and she continued to guide them even as her health deteriorated. However, her two grandchildren, Harley and Roman, added something magical to her life. There wasn't a day that her grandchildren weren't a part of her life. JoAnne loved and cherished them more than they will ever know. JoAnne also faced the toughest job in the Army--the role of the Army Spouse--with a rare fortitude. She superbly managed multiple moves (including overseas), ensured a continuity in her daughters' lives that allowed them to pursue their interests and reach their goals, and cared for the welfare of U.S. Army soldiers and their family members with one hundred percent of herself through activities such as unit fundraising and home visits. She was the recipient of multiple Army awards, from the U.S. Army Field Artillery Association's The Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher to several Army Certificate of Achievements for unwavering devotion to soldiers and the U.S. Army's Family Support System. She is also a current member of the American Legion Auxiliary. JoAnne and John returned to upstate New York after retiring from Army life. They had a history in Rensselaer and the area was rich in family and friends who enthusiastically welcomed her back and who also brought her great joy, especially while she was fighting ALS. Although they had retired, JoAnne felt called to return to work and spent 10 years at the Goldstein Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealership in Latham, NY, as the Executive Assistant to the President. JoAnne often thought of the team at Goldstein's as family and this family continued to support her throughout her battle with ALS. JoAnne was born in Albany, NY, the daughter of the late William Siddon and Pauline (Downey) Siddon. She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, John B. Snyder; daughters, Jennifer (Kevin) Konitski and Jourdan Snyder; grandchildren, Harley and Roman; three sisters, Marilyn Dawson, Sandra (Richard) Van Vorst, Kathleen (Wilson) Ellis; and brother, William H. Siddon. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. We are so blessed to have had JoAnne in our lives and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared in her light and their love for her. Family and friends may call Tuesday, 20 August, from 4-7 p.m. in the Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer. The funeral services will take place Wednesday, 21 August, at 12 p.m. in the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Peter's ALS Regional Center who provided equipment, counseling, and compassionate support throughout JoAnne's three-year ALS journey.