After an almost five year battle with cancer, Dona Caroline Snider, died November 7th, 2013 at the age of 71. She was surrounded by her children, the loving thoughts of friends and family from all over the country, and her family of nurses on the oncology floor who befriended her and provided her with excellent care.
Dona was born in Eastman, Georgia to Mary Pearl (Buchan) Rowell and Charles Stanley Rowell. In 1956, she moved to Saugerties, New York, with her parents and brother Charlie. She graduated from Saugerties High School and then attended Benedictine Hospital School of Nursing in Kingston, New York. She worked as a Registered Nurse on Harkness 9 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, when she met and married her husband, Donald L Snider, MD.
Dona and her family moved to Vincennes, Indiana in 1972, where she resided for 35 years. In addition to raising her children, Dona was active within the community as she was a member of Women’s Auxiliary, Psi Iota Xi and Garden Club. She also worked part-time at the Jay Patch boutique in the mid 1980’s until she decided to return to nursing. She worked along side her husband, both in their office and in surgery, for nearly 20 years until her retirement. It is a tremendous testament to their marriage and to her skills as a peacemaker that they were able to spend nearly 24 hours a day together everyday. In 2008, Dona and her husband moved to Jacksonville, Illinois.
Dona was most passionate about her family, gardening, knitting and painting. Spending time with her grand-baby, Hazel, was the highlight of her free time. Her large garden was always brilliant and she seemed to have the ability to grow any flower. She would often challenge herself to dry her herbs and flowers and incorporate them in her crafts. She LOVED to knit and savored every moment she spent in knitting circles with her friends. She clothed her family and friends with her creations, and even won awards at the Indiana State Fair for her sweaters. She had natural artistic talent for sketching and painting, and dabbled in tole painting and watercolors. Dona also enjoyed taking art classes from local and regional artists. Her other hobbies included genealogy, travel, and needlepoint.
In addition, Dona was thought of as an extremely generous person. She always thought of others before herself.
Dona is survived by her children William Snider (Kristin), Rebecca Snider and Ruth Elizabeth “Betsy” Snider all of Helena, her brother Charles Rowell (Kathy) of Toledo, Ohio, and grandchild Hazel Mae Snider. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Snider and her daughter Rachel Snider.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Vincennes, Indiana. Donations may be sent to the Old Northwest Territory Chapter of American Red Cross, 316 Main Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591, The Jacksonville Area Community Food Center, 316 E. State St., Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 or the Cooperative Health Center, 1930 9th Ave, Helena, Montana 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dona.
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Joann Poorman says
Hello,
To the family. She was the greatest person when living in
Vincennes. William,Robert Poorman said hi.
We wish to give our Condolence to you & family.
love in Christ,
Joann Poorman
Barbara Cavanaugh says
Will and family, Betsy and Becky:
Had a good visit with your Mom last July–even tho quite ill, she still had her beautiful spirit. She was a lovely lady and I know she will be missed so much.
Sincerely,
Barbara Cavanaugh
Polly (Luse)Hamilton says
Becky and family, So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She was a wonderful person who has always held a special place in my heart. I have so many fond memories of sleepovers at the house in Vincennes. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all, Polly
Carolyn S. Dotson says
Will and Family, Rebecca amd Betsy:
We were sorry to hear that your Mother had passed away. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. We will always remember your family when you moved across the street from us on Weed Lane and all the good times our families had together through the years. Again, please accept our sincere thoughts of you and your family and will always remember your Mom and Dad. Bob and Carolyn Dotson and family.
Howard W. Hatcher says
I will always believe that Dona saved my health. While I was on the police department I would schedule physicals with Don for new candidates to the department. In 1995 I visited the office to schedule an appointment for a new officer. I was chatting with Dona and the subject came up about a growth I noticed on the top of my head. She took one look and suspected that it was BCC. Don performed 2 WLEs, one at the office and one in the hospital, on me. Who knew…, may God bless and keep Dona, Don and Rachael for ever and a day.
Dana Eaden Lay says
Betsy, Becky, Will and family,
I’m sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I will be praying for you all. I have so many wonderful memories with your family from childhood. May God keep you safe in His arms during this time.
—Dana Eaden Lay
Susan (Hutchison) Ahlbrand says
So, so sorry for your loss. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories be of comfort and may your dear mother rest in well-deserved peace.
Al & Kathy Baldwin says
Betsy, Becky and Will and family,
Al & I are so sorry for your loss. We loved both Don & Dona dearly and will miss them very
much. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.—– Love to all Al & Kathy
Jim and Patty Jo Bobe says
Remember your family well. Your mom was so beautiful inside and out. Your dad took care of my whole family and we grew to love him so much! Prayers for all of you! Patty Jo
Maureen Forrest says
Rebecca and family,
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your Mom. You are in our thoughts and we will send all our positive energy your way in hopes that it will some how help to cushion your pain.
We love ya.
Peace & Love, Mo & Jess
Dave & Jerilyn Miller says
Dear Betsy, Becky & Will: Too soon after Don’s passing to say goodby to Dona. We will miss them both deeply. The Miler family sends its sympathies and condolences. You will all remain as part of the many Vincennes families that loved y our parents.
Love, Dave & Jerilyn
Jay R Tuttle says
I was sorry to read in the Vincennes Sun Commerical New Paper the passing of Dona , wife of Dr Don L. Snider a surgeon in Vincennes. Dona was a hard working, incredibly gracious, and lovely lady to be around, and she provided wonderful loving support for her growing family and busy husband. With love, Dr Jay R Tuttle
Donna Cullen Tewalt says
Will, Betsy and Becky I was so sorry to hear that your Mother had passed away. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Dona was such a gracious lady and one of my best memories of her is how she loved her hats and how she was so protective of her small children. I have such great memories of not only her but of all the children. Again, please accept my sincere thoughts of you and your family.
Donna Cullen Tewalt
Patricia Underhill says
May God Bless your family during this time….I will miss Dona and Dr. Snider always…..not only in the healthcare arena…..but on a personal level, as there were times Dona would buy some type of musical antique and ask my dad (Glen Underhill) if he would restore it….and he did. Your parents were wonderful people. God Bless!
Trish Underhill, RN BSN
Vincennes, IN 47591
Vincennes University Alumni and Foundation Staff says
Our deepest and sincere sympathy goes out to your family during this sad and difficult time.
Taunie Snyder says
Betsy, Becky and Will, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Dona was a very special lady to me and always will be. I am thinking about all of you during this hard time. Betsy you have a special place in my heart and I am thinking of you.
Taunie Snyder
Vincennes, IN 47591
Margaret & Delbert Rapp says
Sorry to hear Dona passed on, she was special lady everybody loved her, I remember when Don started working at the Hospital, only had 2 or 3 OR rooms at the time. Don worked on all of our family. What can i say in this difficult time.
Delbert & Margaret Rapp
Vincennes
Pat, Sharon & Bob English says
Our sympathy to all of you. I have known your parents since Betsy was about 2 years old. Worked at your home and Dr’s office many times. They were among the nicest people to work for and they will be missed by all. May God Bless you.
Don & Carolyn Demas says
Will, Betsy & Becky:
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother. She was a peach, and we so enjoyed the beautiful flowered landscape she maintained at your home when we lived in Vincennes. May God grant you comfort and peace.
Don & Carolyn Demas
Columbus, IN
Anne Roberts says
Becky, Betsy, Will and family-
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dona.
The Roberts family has many truly happy memories of the Snider family while on Tulip Lane. May the beautiful memories of your mom hold you tight and give you comfort – now, when you most need them, and always.
Vicki Reeves says
Becky , Betsy, Will & Family – I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your Mother. I loved her & Dr. Don soooo much. They were both very kind and caring. I missed seeing them both when the office closed. May you find peace knowing they are together again! You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Vicki Reeves
Vincennes, IN
terry,joan and andy mccraney says
will,betsy,becky
so sorry to hear about your mothers passing. we always enjoyed going to see the doctor
as your mother was such and kind and caring nurse. enjoyed seeing her at the community theatre shows also.
are thoughts are with you and your family.
joan,terry,andy mccraney
jackssonville,florida
Dana Worland says
Dear Betsy, Will, Becky & Family,
So sorry to hear you lost your mother. Don & Dona were so much fun to be around. I will always remember the fun we had as we cooked Gallett Cookies under the porch on Tulip Lane. We had many fond memories. Don’s beautiful wildlife photo’s, his wine cellar, and the great times we had at Rotary and Rotary Events. Betsy I miss seeing your smiling face at Walmart. Keep memories close. You have our deepest sympathy and will be in our prayers.
The Worlands, Dana & Sam
Anita Clark says
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. What a special lady. Have many fond memeries of both Dr Snider & Dona. Prayers to all
Anne Jacoby says
Will, Becky and Betsy,
I was sorry to hear your mother has passed away. Your mom was a special person and will be missed by her knitting friends. You remain in my prayers and thoughts.
Always. Anne jacoby
Tracy Henry says
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. What a special lady. Always a smile and a kind word. I worked at the Vascular Lab in the 80’s for your dad. I will always be grateful to your dad for letting me bring my daughter to work each day after she was born. You have special parents and they will always hold a special place in my heart. May God comfort your family during this time. You are in our thought and prayers! JR, Tracy, Janesa and Jarryd Henry
SHARON DOBER says
I was most fortunate to work for you father at his office in Jacksonville, Il and therefore meet Dona. She was one of the nicest and compassionate person I have ever met.My condolences for your loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing your parents are together again
Pamela Stewart says
What can I say? Dona was my friend…my confidante…as we raised our family together. She was a little ahead of me in the game so could prepare me for what was to come. We commiserated over rising time for Psi Iota Xi cinnamon rolls…dumped soup into garbage cans for the Franklin Chili Supper…and labored hanging strips of Mylar for shimmering walls for the medical charity ball.
I miss our time together. I miss your dad’s first cell phone that weighed at least ten pounds. I miss Becky’s Mexican Wedding Cakes…but most of all I miss the Snider Clan presence…and especially your mother in my life…my dear friend. May God bless you all with good memories to give you comfort. And Becky…you still need to go to medical school.
Love to you all….
Judy and Gary Sides says
Our very deepest sympathy . We knew Dona here in Jacksonville a short time, but were impressed by her kindness and compassion. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of her family.
Jan Whiteman says
While reading this well written death notice I was reminded of all the ways Dona brought light, healing, and compassion to others. Our family times in Vincennes over lapped for 25 years. In all of the “hats” Dona wore she was diligent and kind. She will be missed by many but her loving legacy will ripple on in many places. May the family she loved dearly find some comfort in all the lives she brightened. Jan (& Tim) Whiteman-Danville, IN
shirley bryant says
Betsy and family so sorry to hear about your mother. Prayers and thoughts are with you in this trying time. I worked with Betsy at the Jacksonville Wal-Mart.
Valerie Sweeney says
Dear Snider family,
Our hearts go out to all of you. during this tough time. I last saw Dona
here in Vincennes at the voting booth in May and am so glad to have done so.
I didn’t realize at the time that it was farewell. Your family was, over the years, a joy
to see. Such smiling, beautiful faces! Know we will be thinking of you during the
next several months and blessings on each, especially at this Thanksgiving time.
The Sweeney family: Marvin, Valerie, Matt and family, Kevin and family, Troy and family.
Esther Evans says
So extremely sadden to hear of the passing of Dona. She always had a gorgeous smile to brighten any day. It was a blessing to have known her. Although I’d known them professionally as Dr. and Dona Snider, they always made you feel welcomed and as one of the family. Keeping your family close in prayer during this difficult time. Esther Evans