Edith May "Blondie" Snyder

PENN YAN - Edith "Blondie" May (Nielsen) Snyder, age 92, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Clifton Springs Hospital. She was born on May 18, 1933 in Dresden, N.Y. to the late Jul and Agnes (Thomsen) Nielsen.

Blondie is predeceased by her loving husband, Donald J. Snyder (2005); her brothers, Elmer (Flora) Nielsen, Edmond Nielsen and George Nielsen; sisters, Marion (Kendal)) Benedict and Betty Mattison; grandson, Christopher Jensen (2022); niece, Charlene Nielsen (2004); and nephew Douglas Mattison (2009).

She is survived by her daughters, Gale (Alan) Jensen of Penn Yan, N.Y., Julie (Dick) Brooks of Clifton Springs, N.Y. and Katherine "Katie" (Jake) and Craig (Andy) Nissen of Rushville, N.Y.; a sister, Doris (Clem) Nielsen of Penn Yan, N.Y.; grandchildren, Janelle Backal, Jeremy (Carolyn) Jensen, Brittany (Joseph) Czworka, Zachary (Holly) Brooks, and Tyler (Halie) Brooks; great-grandchildren, Brielle and Dawson Backal, Olivia Czworka, and Adelyn and Elodie Jensen; nieces, Rita, Kelly and Sandy; nephews, Dave, Lonnie, Barry and Kevin; her beloved cat, Klinger, along with many other relatives in Denmark.

Blondie attended Penn Yan Academy, graduating with the Class of 1950. She married a fellow classmate, Donald J. Snyder, on December 13, 1953, in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Penn Yan, N.Y. She worked as a legal secretary to Daniel R. Taylor, Esq. for many years, and served as the Town Clerk/Tax Collector for the Town of Jerusalem. She was also employed as a secretary by the Finger Lakes DDSO later in her career, until her retirement in 1998. Blondie was a devoted congregant of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She played accordion at Danish dances during the 1950's and was also a member of the Easternaires Band. She was proud of her Danish heritage and had the opportunity to visit many of her relatives that remained in Denmark.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 4 p.m.- 5 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 135 Hamilton St., Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527. A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. with a reception immediately following at the church. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Yates County, 1216 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, Penn Yan, N.Y. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.townsendwoodzinger.com