Rebecca K. Snyder

Dr. Rebecca Kay Finley Snyder, 78, professor emeritus of mathematics education, passed away on May 6, at The Watermark at East Hill in Southbury, CT, after a long battle with vascular dementia. Born in Anderson, SC, on December 5, 1938, “Becky” was the daughter of Willie Hance and Emmie Beatrice (Kay) Finley of Mountville, SC. Becky graduated from Clinton High School in 1956 as an Honor Student, and was voted “Most Talented” in her class. Three years later, in 1959, she earned her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of South Carolina, where she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi, Alpha Kappa Gamma, the Euphrosynean Literary Society, Baptist Student Union, YWCA, Student Council, Pep Club, Honor Roll, and was a Sigma Phi Epsilon Sweetheart. She completed her Doctorate in Education from the University of Greensboro in 1993, and became a mathematics and education professor shortly thereafter.

With a tremendous passion for numbers, education, her family and her students, Dr. Snyder was described in her high school yearbook as a “snappy tapper” (dancing was a great joy in her life), and was known to be sweet, smart, and friendly, with a winning smile, a gracious manner, and beautiful brown eyes. Although she began her career as a computer programmer at Philco, the majority of her life was dedicated to teaching – Montessori, math, special education – including an SAT tutoring business that she co-founded in Charlotte, NC. Having always wanted to live near the ocean, Dr. Snyder eventually became a professor at Coastal Carolina University, from which she retired in 2004.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Charles “Chuck” Snyder and her brother, Robert Hance Finley, Sr, and many dear aunts and uncles. She was the proud mother of Brian T. Hayes (Madeline) of Robbinsville, NJ; Derek T. Hayes (Megan) of Rye, NY; Lisa H. Clark (Andrew) of Roxbury, CT; doting grandmother of Polaris and Praslin Hayes, Alexandra Hayes, and Finley and Emerson Clark; and devoted niece of Dorothy “Dot” Finley of Charlotte, NC, who was like a mother to her. She is also survived by her husband’s children, Scott (Kathy) Snyder, Mark (Jennifer) Snyder, Susan (Quentin) Custer, and their children and grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. Most recently a member of the Belin United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet, SC, Becky was an avid churchgoer who enjoyed singing hymns and attending services.

Despite Dr. Snyder’s struggle with dementia, you could often spot a twinkle in her eye, a spark of mischief, a flash of wit. Throughout her life, she inspired countless students, family, and friends…to push further, work harder, be stronger, while never losing her sense of humor. The family is exceptionally grateful to the wonderful nayas, nurses and staff at The Villa and The Springs, at The Watermark at East Hill – particularly those who shared her joy of travel, music, and reminded “Beck-Beck” of her love for The King.

Her charisma, wisdom and kindness is greatly missed.

Arrangements are under the direction of Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North, Southbury, CT 06488. A small graveside service will be held at Great Oaks Cemetery, Roxbury, Connecticut, on Friday, May 19, 2017, at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to:

Regional Hospice and Home Care Center for Comfort Care & Healing 
30 Milestone Rd
Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: 203.702.7400
Fax: 203.702.7401
Email: info@regionalhospicect.org
www.regionalhospicect.org

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund     
34 Washington St., Suite 200
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
Phone: 781-237-3800
Fax: 781-658-2399
Email: info@curealz.org
www.curealz.org

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