Verna Elizabeth Snyder was born to this life on January 31, 1963. She entered eternal life on March 6 th , 2022. Her passing age was 59 years.

Verna was born in Ogdensburg, New York as one of the younger siblings in a large household of ten children. Verna was always internally strong, and in her teen years decided to leave New York for a warmer life in sunny Florida. It was in Florida where Verna set roots and established a home for her and her future children.

Verna was an extremely hard worker with sights of success. This was evident initially as she obtained her GED continuing through to establishing a long term career with Hydradyne Hydraulics. When Verna first started at Hydradyne she was just a part time assistant. However, as time progressed she was able to show how invaluable she was for the company and paved a path of success in a highly male dominated profession. Verna was proud to be a working woman and the success she created at Hydradyne.

It was at her time during Hydradyne that Verna was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. However, death was not what Verna had in mind. Verna was very proactive in her cancer treatment. Her mentality would not bend to that of illness, but rather hope and healing. Verna fought and survived for 17 years. During these years Verna also made herself available to many other women who were going through the same diagnosis. She would help them also receive the best care possible and help guide them to a life without cancer. It was through her cancer journey that brought her to the Pink Dragon Ladies. Verna was very active with the group bringing awareness to breast cancer through dragon boat racing as well as establishing many significant friendships.

Verna did have a setback early on with her cancer diagnosis with a metastasis. Again, Verna would not accept this as a death sentence. She searched and found a trial of chemotherapy that would eventually keep her cancer in remission for much of her diagnosis. Verna was the longest surviving patient from the drug trial. The important work that she helped for this trial eventually lead to an approval of the FDA to open this medication to others with similar cancers to help them aid in the treatment of their illnesses.

Verna was also a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her three daughters: Melissa Snyder, Angela Snyder, and Erika Roso. As well as her grandchildren: Lillian Staub, Joseph Staub, Chase Mitcheltree, Annabella Snyder, Charlotte Roso, and Lincoln Roso. Verna was very active with her family and loved her grandchildren very much. Summers were special in Verna's house as everyone would often gather to swim, grill out, and enjoy each other's company.

Verna was also an active socialite. She had many friends. Verna loved to have a good time. She would often be found somewhere with a group of friends listening to classic rock with a cold drink in her hand. One of Verna's favorite places to have fun was a yearly trip to Mardi Gras.

Verna was the heart of the family. She was highly regarded with her siblings and children. Verna knew this, too. As she would often say it herself, "It ain't easy being queen."