Glenda Snyder

Glenda Allene Snyder, age 79, died in peace at Porter Hospice Residence on July 17, 2022. For more than four years she battled an incurable disease with courage while sustaining a positive, loving attitude.

Glenda was born on November 13, 1942 in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. She cherished her mother, Thelma, and her father Ellwood Holdner. Although she was an only child, her large family of uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces lived near-by and she was surrounded by happiness. She was adored. Glenda attended the Shawnee Mission schools and graduated from Shawnee Mission High School. Throughout her youth she was a fabulous dancer and performed in major musical productions staged at Swope Park, Kansas City.

In 1963, Glenda graduated from the St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing. She moved to San Francisco in that year and California licensed her as a Registered Nurse. She was then admitted to the Stanford University Medical School where she trained with D. Norman Shumway to create the protocols for the United States first Open Heart Surgery procedures in 1968. She was a true pioneer in the field of cardiac surgery. In 1972, Glenda moved to Denver, Colorado and participated in the establishment of Colorado's open heart surgery program. At Harvard University's School of Medicine Glenda received advanced cardiovascular training. She helped save thousands of lives throughout her medical career and rarely mentioned her work. She certainly never boasted about it.

Glenda was raising two daughters, Erika and Kimberly, as a single mom when she met John Millard Snyder on June 19, 1982. John was also a single parent raising a son, Logan. That was the start of a 40 year marriage filled with love, trust and a lot of humor. She devoted herself to the children's well-being, education, sports and school activities. When all three children graduated with professional degrees they married and then Glenda lovingly spoiled ten grandchildren.

There were many characteristics of Glenda's life that few knew about. She was a remarkable quilt maker, read at least three books a week, designed many art works, was a fabulous cook, had fun traveling, was a bridal consultant, and pretended to ski.

Glenda is survived by her husband, Dr. John M. Snyder, daughters Erika Grant and Kimberly Bobbitt, son Logan Snyder, and grandchildren Caden, Nicholas, and Connor Grant; Cooper, Carson, Caroline, Catherine Bobbitt; and Tegan, Tucker, Ethan Snyder.

Funeral services will take place at Horan & McConaty in Centennial, on Thursday, August 4th, starting at 10 am. Burial services at Ft. Logan Cemetery will be at 2:30 pm. Glenda would be grateful for donations to Porter Hospice in lieu of flowers.