Louise Estelle Snyder

Louise Estelle Snyder passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Dr. Charles Fisher Snyder, Jr, to whom she was married for over fifty years. Louise was born and raised in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Dorothy Estelle Cole and John Peter Kokolias. She graduated from Matamoras High School and St. Luke's School of Nursing in Bethlehem. In her teens, Louise worked as a soda jerk behind the counter at her father's ice cream store, Jack's Sweet Shop, which she lovingly called "Jack's Sweat Shop". Upon graduation from nursing school, she worked as an OR nurse at Reading Hospital, where she met her future husband. After raising her family, she enjoyed many years assisting patrons at the Moravian Book Shop in downtown Bethlehem. While healthy, Louise was an active member of Bethany U.C.C., serving on the Consistory and in later years joining the "Peanut Ladies". She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Louise is survived by daughters Patricia Snyder Chupak and husband Michael of Fairport, NY, Catherine Snyder Riggan and husband Sims of Lexington, NC, son John Charles Snyder and wife Heather of Bethlehem, and son Charles Fisher Snyder III and wife Peggy of Bushkill Township, PA. She was a devoted grandmother, affectionately known as "YiaYia" to Michael and Debbie Snyder, Peter and Matthew Chupak, Blythe and Cole Riggan, Colin, Jacob, and Miles Snyder, and Shannon and Philip Snyder. She was blessed with great grandchildren Brandon, Ryan, Jenna, Michael, Ben, Gino, and Rocco. She is survived by her sister Pauline Schueler of Winchester, TN, and daughter in law Diane Snyder of Wind Gap, PA. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents and son Michael. In her final days, Louise was surrounded by her loving family; with a nod to her upbringing, her last meal was chocolate ice cream. A private celebration of Louise's life is planned. Louise's family would like to thank the staff of Country Meadows Health Care Center who took such loving care of her in her final years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Luke's School of Nursing, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015.