Zenobia Gonzales-Snyder

GONZALES-SNYDER Zenobia (Nova) Gonzales-Snyder, passed away peacefully in her home in Pecos, N.M. on Thursday, January 20th, 2011. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she received her Heavenly reward surrounded by her sisters and daughters and close family. Nova was born in a log cabin in El Macho, New Mexico on August 10th, 1936. At a young age she married her first husband, Frank H. Cordova with whom she raised nine children and ultimately found her home of many years in El Paso, Texas. She received her High School diploma and went on to achieve her Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees while she still had children at home. As an educator, Nova helped shape the minds of countless young people at various elementary schools in El Paso, including Loma Terrace Elementary where she received the honor of being named Teacher of the Year. For almost 30 years, Nova was the beloved wife of Ross W. Snyder, who preceded her in death in March of 2010 after suffering from Alzheimers Disease. Throughout his illness, until her diagnosis of cancer, Nova cared for Ross in their home in beautiful El Macho, New Mexico with the assistance of his daughters, Susie and Cindy as well as other family members. Nova was one of 8 children born to her parents, Tomas and Cecilia Gonzales, who have preceded her in death. She will forever be remembered by her loving sisters, Sylvia Harding (deceased brother in law, Ernest), Mildred Melendez (Kenneth), Cordelia Garcia (Reyes) and was preceded in death and has now reunited with her loving brother Tom (Helen) and precious sister Arlene (deceased brother in law, Arcy). She was also preceded in death by infant sister and brother, Joanne and Sonny. Nova will continue to live on in the hearts of her beloved children, Phillip (Debbie) Cordova, Glen (Yolanda) Cordova, Jeanette Michele (Douglas) Cordova-Ayres, Audrey (deceased son-in-law, Kent Melton) Cordova, Nova Terese (deceased son-in-law, Mark) Stevens, Laurie Vigil-Ortiz, Paul (Elizabeth Uribe) Cordova, Thomas (Kelly) Cordova, Robert Vigil and her precious daughters/son through marriage, Cindy Gomez, Susan Jamison (Tony) and Eddie Dalton (GayAnn). Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another and her influence will continue to guide her beautiful grandchildren; Cecilia (Luis) Baez, Brandon (Jana) Melton, Tara Melton, Charles Barela, Anthony Ortiz, Natalia Ortiz, Jacquelyn Cordova, Jordan Cordova, Lauren Cordova, Caroline Cordova, Rebekah Cordova, Megan Cordova, Nicole Cordova, Nova Cordova and Roma Cordova. Her Grandmotherly light also shown on Liana (Conrad) Loyd, Alan (Kaitlyn) Gomez, Victoria (Jessel) Uribe, Heather Ayres, Paula (Fernando) Banales, Alexandra (Danny)Williams, Nola (Carlos) Curry, and Andy Reyes who came into her life through her children, as did the "Great Grandchildren" of her heart; Zane Loyd, Valeria Baez, Aiden Ayres-Ackley, Alyssa and Julian Banales, Natalia, Ethan and Marley Curry, Keynan and Kiana Williams and Mia Reyes. Nova will also remain in the hearts of her precious Aunts and Uncles: Mary, Antonia, Angie (Eddie), Connie (Eliseo), William, Steve (Mary), Gilbert (Viola), Gene (Helen) and Frank (Dolores) as well as many dear nieces, nephews and cousins. Nova touched the lives of so many people with her contagious smile that always reached her beautiful eyes, her warm heart that was open to all and her sheer zest for life, which was uplifting to all with whom she came into contact. Her passion for travel took her to such faraway places as Peru, Egypt, The Holy Lands, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and England, as well as countless other destinations. She loved visiting the Cathedrals of the world and the tiny churches and after doing that she would enjoy all the shops! Her most recent journey was to San Juan, Puerto Rico to attend the wedding of her granddaughter, Cecilia. Due to her declining health, the journey was a difficult one, but with her vast travel experience and her sheer determination, she was able to make the trip. Her travel companions normally included friends and family who were always worn out just trying to keep up with her! Her hobbies included many crafts, ranging from embroidery and ceramics to quilting, but her forte was jewelry creation. Her friends and family have her magnificent pieces of wearable art to treasure as remembrances of her. She also enjoyed sailing the seas with her beloved Ross on their sailboat. Those times were among her fondest memories. The family wishes to thank the following people, not only for their medical expertise, but also their hopeful and loving care. Mom's wonderful Doctor, Dr. Byron Chesbro and the staff of Texas Oncology with particular thanks to Martha Boyle and Celeste and Ana who have definitely earned their wings. Martha, your prompt and kind attention to all our needs throughout this journey made all the difference; the Staff of the 4th floor Oncology at Sierra Medical Center in El Paso. We know we'll probably forget some names, but Vanessa, Maria, Susan, Letty, Alicia and Mary- thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thanks also to Dr. Benjamin Clapp, Dr. Suresh Antony, Dr. Edward Assi, Dr. Vinay Patel, Dr. Erasto Cortes and Dr. Young for their excellent care of Mom. Special thanks to Dr. Antonio Santillian whose initial surgery in addition to Dr. Chesbros excellent care enabled us to have our precious Mom with us so much longer than initially expected. When Mom returned home, Dr. Young and VistaCare (Hospice), Santa Fe took over Mom's medical care. The family would like to thank Chaplain Peggy, Diane, Margarita and Mom's compassionate and competent nurse, Ashley Quinn for everything they did to make a difficult time more bearable. In addition, thank you to son Paul and Liz, who welcomed Mom into their home for the 2 ½ years she was undergoing treatment in El Paso and cared for her daily needs lovingly. Liz had the assistance of Moms tiny "Drs.", Nova and Roma. To Debbie and Teri who took Mom to all of her many appts. and sat with her during her countless chemo infusions, always making sure Mom had snacks, hot tea, a warm blanket, good conversation and companionship. To Michele and Doug who maintained her home in El Macho, N.M. and visited her regularly in El Paso, as well as taking care of Mom's precious Dee Dee and Elvis and so much more. To Audrey and Tara who cared to many of Moms needs while she was in El Macho and were her companions on the mountain for so many years. To her sisters, Sylvia, Mildred and Cordy who cooked for Mom, brought her communion and provided her with sisterly love and support. To Phil, Glen, Yolanda, Tom, Kelly and Laurie who were all so loving and helpful with Mom's care both at home and during hospital stays. Also many thanks to other family members and friends like Jeanine, Toni, Susie, Pam, Yvonne, Jenny, Barb and Linda, who helped to make this difficult time in Mom's life so much easier. Last, but not least, Mom very much wished to say a special goodbye to her precious, long time companions who never left her side….her dogs, Dee Dee and Elvis, whose comfort and unconditional love meant everything to her. We will be joining together to celebrate Mom's life and her Everlasting Life with Our Father at services to be held on Saturday, January 29th at St. Anthonys Church in Pecos, N. M. at 10:00 a.m. with viewing from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. to be followed by graveside services at the little church in El Macho. Rosaries will be held on Thursday, January 27th at Berardinelli Funeral Home in Santa Fe at 6:00 p.m. with viewing beginning at 3:00 p.m. and on Friday, January 28th at St. Anthonys Church in Pecos, N.M. at 6:00 p.m. with viewing beginning at 3:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Str