Irene E. Snyder

Irene E. Snyder Albion When Irene E. Snyder, age 96 of Albion, died on Wednesday, October 20, 2010, she was the oldest surviving graduate of Albion High School. She was born in Jackson County to Robert and Shirley (Campbell) Robinson on January 13, 1914. She grew up in the Devereaux area and attended the one room Devereaux School for eight years. She then entered Albion High School, graduating in 1932. During her High School years she was Literary Editor of the High School paper the Breeze and a member of the National Honor Society. She was voted "The Most Popular Girl" by her classmates. After graduation Irene worked in the Union Steel Products office for many years in several positions, first as a nurse during the 1940's and then, after taking some time off to raise a family, she returned to work as an executive secretary in the administrative offices. She retired from there in 1974. In 1934 she married Benjamin Willard Snyder of Albion. He passed away in 1992 after 58 years of marriage. Irene enjoyed vacationing in Michigan with her family and the many winters she and Willard spent with friends in Florida. More than anything else however, Irene enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing bridge. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for 60 years and the United Methodist Women's Society, acting as Treasurer for 20 years. She was a life member of the Albion Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the Albion Historical Society. She was very fond of playing Bridge and played many years as a member of the Hospital Service League and the Duck Lake Golf Club. She is survived by two sons, Dr. Benjamin Snyder and his wife Diane of Worcester, MA and James Snyder of Albion; a grandson Hans Snyder and his wife Christina of Grafton, MA and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son Stephen, a daughter Susan, a sister Lucille Carrier, a brother Harold Robinson, brother-in-law Phil Carrier and sister-in-law Kathryn Robinson. Irene passed away in her home where she had resided since 1946. Especially in the latter years she was very appreciative of the loving help of her caregivers including her son James who lived with her and her special neighbors Karen and Steve Zimmerman. She also appreciated all the wonderful relatives, friends and neighbors who brought delicious food. Calling hours for Irene will be on Monday, October 25, 2010, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion. Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at First United Methodist Church, Wesley Chapel, 600 E. Michigan Ave., Albion, with Rev. Jeremy Williams officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Albion. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, Albion Ambulance Service or Oaklawn Home Health Care and Hospice. www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com