Janet Snyder

A life-long resident of Middleburgh, New York, died at home after a long illness on Thursday, May 7th, 2009.

She was born November 20th, 1919 at the Schaeffer family homestead, "The Rocks", Schoharie, New York, the first daughter of F. Walter Bliss and Margaret Schaeffer Bliss. She was raised in her parents' home in Middleburgh: attended Middleburgh Central School and was Valedictorian of the Class of 1937. She attended and graduated from Cornell University (Home Economics) in 1941. During WWII, Janet was employed by the General Electric Company in Schenectady.

On July 4th, 1942 she married Rudolph D. Snyder. They became the parents of Joanne, Margaret, Elizabeth and James, all of whom continue to reside in the Middleburgh area.

While her children were growing, Janet assisted her husband managing his land surveying office: Snyder Surveying.

Janet was a member of the Middleburgh Reformed Church, which she attended faithfully throughout her life: the oldest continuous member of the congregation at the time of her death. She also had the distinction of being the first female Deacon elected to serve her church's congregation.

Janet also served on the Board of Directors of Central National Bank, Canajoharie, for a period of 28 years. In 1975, Governor Carey appointed her to the Cobleskill State College Council where she served from 1976-1992. She was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother whose other interests included Bridge, sewing, knitting, reading and bird watching.

Janet was predeceased by her parents: Hon. F. Walter Bliss and Margaret S. Bliss, her sisters: Margaret B. Berdan and Martha B. Grogan, and her husband: Rudolph D. Snyder.

Survivors include her stepmother Margaret N. Bliss, her children: Joanne (James Meinsma), Margaret (William Corradino), Elizabeth (Jack DuPont) and James Snyder (Bonnie Sue), as well as her grandchildren: Dama M. Lewis, Jeremy J. DuPont (Carla), James L. DuPont, Landon R. DuPont, Asa J. Snyder and Chloe B. Snyder, and also her great-grand children: William R. Lewis, Abigail S. Lewis, Garrett R. DuPont and Cierra L. DuPont; also her brother-in-law Dr. Leonard N. Berdan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be an open house at the Palmer and Shaylor Funeral Home, 134 River Street, Middleburgh, on Sunday, May 10th from 5 pm to 8 pm. A service celebrating her life will be held at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, River Street, Middleburgh on Monday, May 11th, at 11 am. Rev. Jared Van Wagenen IV will officiate. A reception will follow at the Snyder residence, 110 Danforth Ave., Middleburgh. Interment will be at the Middleburgh Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

If desired, memorial contributions in Janet's memory may be made to the Middleburgh Reformed Church, River St. Middleburgh, NY 12122 or the Middleburgh Public Library, PO Box 670, Middleburgh, NY 12122.