Deb Snyder

1947 - 2016

Deb Snyder November 10, 1947 - February 27, 2016 San Diego Today family and friends of Deb Snyder are gathered in Springfield, Illinois to celebrate her life and inter her ashes in the family memorial compound.
Deb was born in Chicago, IL and named Delphia Rae by her parents, William and Thelma (Dutch) Miller. She was the youngest of the family. Charles Scoggins, Mary Lynn Miller (Hocevar), and William R. Miller II were her older siblings.
While Chicago was home, the family spent summers in Chattanooga, TN, and Deb had many fond memories of Aunt Illy and Uncle Jack.
Deb attended Southern Illinois University, where she met Hugh Margesson. They married, and had a son, Robert (Rob). The young family then emigrated to the warmer climate of Southern California where they both worked and Hugh continued his education. The marriage ended amicably in the early 1970s, and they remained good friends.
Deb and Scott Snyder met during this time and began a relationship that endured for four decades. They married in 1984 and had opportunities to live in the four corners of the country, and to travel abroad on many occasions, all while maintaining a successful small business. In this same time frame, a strong and enduring friendship was formed between four women who became more sisters than friends, nurturing each other as their lives evolved, careers progressed, children were born, marriages and divorces occurred, and the highs and lows of life were shared. Deb, Ellen Cazel, Patti Todd, and Laura Kieffer formed a darts team, (The Twillies), traveled the world together, celebrated birthdays together every February, and made each other stronger. Perhaps, most importantly, they laughed a lot.
On her 61st birthday, Deb was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer.
Deb and Scott put their trust in Dr. David Oblon, a gifted and caring oncologist in Oceanside, CA, and his incredible staff at North County Oncology. Dr. Oblon was honest and straightforward throughout Deb's treatment, never giving false hope, but utilizing every current treatment in his arsenal and explaining his thinking and our options. The result was an initial chemotherapy regimen that halted the progress of the disease and saved Deb's life.
The chemo cost Deb her hair, but couldn't erase her smile. Deb survived over seven years battling a terminal illness with a surprisingly normal quality of life.
Deb was a founder of North County Cancer Fitness, and became its guiding light for the last six years of her life.
The whole concept of cancer fitness revolves around staying healthy as one battles the disease and the treatment. Exercise, nutrition, and camaraderie share importance.
Deb worked more hours than a full time job would have demanded to establish, promote, and ensure the continuing operation of NCCF. That preserved her health and prolonged her life beyond what could have been expected. She left NCCF in the capable hands of Deborah Pomeranz, her friend and fellow cancer survivor, a committed and enthusiastic volunteer board of directors, and a group of trainers and therapists certified to work with cancer patients.
Deb was predeceased by Bill and Dutch, Charlie, Lynn, Billy, and Aunt Delores (Dee) Petersen, all cancer victims.
She is survived by Scott, son Rob, granddaughters Emma and Sage, sisters-in-law Connie Miller and Pat Scoggins, sons-in-law Mark and Scott Snyder and their families, and the remaining three Twillies.
Donations to NCCF in Deb's honor will be gratefully accepted at: northcountycancerfitness.org/donate