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Diane Snyder Obituary
Durham
Mrs. Diane Leonard Snyder, 68, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2015 after a long illness.
She was born July 13, 1946 in Lexington, NC to the late Hazel Everhart Leonard and John Leonard.
Diane attended Lees-McRae and earned a bachelor's degree from East Carolina University. She was an accomplished and award winning vocalist and played guitar and sang at various venues in her twenties. Besides music her passions were cooking, politics and her cats.
Duke Hospital was central in Diane's life. She worked at Duke for 35 years, mostly as a certified pharmacy technician. While working at the pharmacy she received a commendation for creating a system to reduce and avoid pharmacy errors. She also created the motto "Healing doesn't have to hurt", which was used by Duke in its 1997 pain initiative campaign and quoted in Time magazine. She gave birth to both her sons at Duke. During her last month she received compassionate care from the hospital staff she advocated for her whole working life.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, John Snyder; sons, Matthew and Joseph of Durham; step-daughter, Guinevere Turner of Los Angeles; brothers, Dr. John Leonard, Michael Leonard; sister, Mary Leonard; 3 nieces and 2 nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Duke Medical Intensive Care for doing everything possible to assist and comfort Diane and family.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday at Clements Funeral Chapel in Durham with The Rev. Joseph S. Harvard. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Clements Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral Service, Inc., in Durham, N.C. Online condolences may be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diane Snyder
Sharon Massey
February 1, 2015
John, I just heard of Diane's passing. Wayland and I saddened by her loss. She was a warm and wonderful person, and the world is dimmer without her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Matt, and Joe.
Gary Lewis
February 1, 2015
John, Matt and Joe. The world has lost a beautiful person, but we have all been blessed to have known her.
Matt you probably don't remember it but we played many an hour on the floor on Trinity Ave. Your Mom was the best!
Gary Lewis
January 31, 2015
John, Matt And Joe,
I am sorry to hear from you about Diane's passing. She was truly one of the sweetest people I ever met. Ellen and I had the pleasure of living with you and Diane when Matt was born. I have nothing but fond memories of those times. My Greatest condolences. The world has lost a truly beautiful person.
Gary
Julie Leonard
January 28, 2015
Aunt Diane,
You will always be in my heart.
Love , Julie
Dianne Leonard
January 28, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. I have many cherished memories of times spent with my family from Lexington. Love to all--Dianne
Julie Leonard
January 28, 2015
Aunt Diane ,
I will forever hold you in my heart.
Love, Julie
Mike Gore
January 28, 2015
John, although we have lost touch in recent years, I will always cherish the friendship that you and I and Dianne and your children shared. I am saddened by your loss. Dianne was special.
Paul and Dianne Teitelbaum
January 28, 2015
Smiler,
Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family on the loss of Diane. Although we have not seen her in many years (since we lived in Durham) we remember her kindness and care she gave to all those around her. Dianne still remembers her love for cats. May her sweet memory ease your grief and loss. Our love to you, Sweeta and Dianne.
Lisa Amabaugh
January 28, 2015
To Diane's family and friends, my deepest and sincere condolences. I worked as a pharmacist with Diane at Duke from 2002-2005, and I will never forget the day Diane likely saved the life of a patient due to her critical thinking and professionalism. What a bright light Diane was in the world.
THE TURSKE,S- DALE & lou
January 28, 2015
FAMILY OF DIANE; WE SEND OUR SINCER SORROW AT A VERY HARD TIME OF YOUR LOSS. YOUR FORMER NEIGHBORS.
Tim Edwards
January 27, 2015
I worked many years in the pharmacy with Diane. She had a large heart, and you always knew her stance on everything... Loved that Gal!.. Peace be with you all. Thanks for the many laughs Diane!
Ellen Lewis
January 27, 2015
John:
Just heard today of Diane's passsing. All I can remember is being on Trinity Ave and the long talks at the kitchen table. Watching Matt in his johnny jumper. I will always have very fond memories of that time and my friendship with you and Diane. The world will be less without her.
Susan Marabella
January 27, 2015
Mary:
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. May God grant you and your family peace in this saddening time of your lives.
Cecilia Burns
January 26, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Cecilia
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