Helene Gatens Snyder, 66, of Warren, PA., and formerly of Allentown, PA., died Saturday, May 16, 2020 at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA. after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born July 20, 1953 in Allentown, PA. Helene was the daughter of the late Francis J. and Helen Szobochan Gatens. She had resided in Warren, PA., since 1976, moving there from Allentown, PA. She was a 1971 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from DeSales University Class of 1975. She was employed as a Controller with the Warren Holiday Inn for 38 years. Helene was a member of Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. Helene enjoyed walking her dogs, Kelly and Sparrow and was a great outdoors enthusiast.
She is survived by her husband, Terry D. Snyder whom she married July 24, 1976 in Allentown, PA., 1 Brother – Leo Gatens and his wife, Diane of Allentown, PA., Terry’s sisters, Judy Paules, Nancy Howard, Laurie Williams and husband, Tim, Kathy Kenepp, brother, Jeff Snyder and wife, Laura, several nieces and nephews and their spouses.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Holy Redeemer Church, 11 Russell Street, Warren, PA., at the convenience of the family with Fr. Stephen Schreiber, Pastor, officiating. A public Mass will be announced at a later date. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Holy Redeemer R.C. Church Building Center Fund, 11 Russell Street, Warren, Pa. 16365 or Pancan.org – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/> The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with local arrangements.
Terry, I am so very sorry. I worked with Helene back in the day at the Holiday Inn. I remember how she loved to buy the children gifts from Santa for the annual employee Christmas party. She was a wonderful lady. May she Rest In Peace. My condolences, Cathy
We are so sorry Terry. As you know, we worked with Helene for over 24 years at the hotel. She always said it was her 2nd family and that is how she treated us. She made sure she was there from my baby showers to their High School graduation parties. She had a zest for life and wanted to make sure she was there for anyone. I’ll never forget so many conversations we had and the times she comforted me during losses I had in my life. May she rest in peace. If you need anything at all please do not hesitate to let us know. Thoughts and prayers for strength during this very difficult time.
I was so sad to hear that Helene lost her battle with Pancreatic cancer. I always enjoyed Helene when she worked for me at the Bonton. She always had a smile and a good word for everyone. I lost my husband to the same cancer and it always tugs at my heart when someone is lost to it. Stay strong and remember how special she was.
Terry, we are so sorry for your loss. We know how close you and Helene were and I know it will be difficult without her by your side. Stay strong and know Helene is no longer in pain and that she will always be with you. I understand you will likely be moving back to the Lehigh Valley at some point. If you need to get away for awhile, come down and see us….we have plenty of room here and we’d love to see you again.
Terry it with sadden hearts that we learned of Helene’s passing. You and Helene were special people to us. We haven’t seen you for a while but you are still in our thoughts. If you ever want to travel you are more then welcome here.
I was so sorry to read this today. My thoughts are with you. I worked with her at the Holiday Inn for about 9 years. She was always so nice to me. We would always wave to one another when you guys would walk by my house on Irvine Street. Sending much light and love.
I am so sorry for your loss. Helene & I worked at the Holiday Inn for 13 years. It was always nice when you and the dogs came to see her. She really loved them. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was so sorry to read of Helene’s passing. I knew her from Hampton Inn. She was always so kind and such a lovely soul.
Terry,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had never seen Helene without a smile on her face and always such a kind person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elke
In loving memory of Helene Snyder, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. So sorry and feel so sad to hear of Helene’s passing. She was a beautiful person and we will remember all the good times with both of you. Stay strong and God bless.
Robert and Janet Burch
I started my veterinary practice in the late 70’s and remember Helene bringing in her dog she loved. Kaleb would set by her so behaved waiting to be seen. She loved him and was such a classy lady. One day she brought him in and had a matching umbrella with spots to match her dog. I wish i would have taken a picture , it was something you would see in a magazine. I was saddened to see her passing, she will be missed and made this place called earth a better place to live.