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Paula Snyder

Lead Summary

Paula Elizabeth Snyder, Salida, Colorado, went to her heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in Salida.
Whenever Paula was asked how old she was, she would say, “I was born on Nov. 18, 1954,” so you were left to figure out her age.
She was born on that date to Paul and Marguerite (LaRocca) Snyder in San Diego, California, and shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her father was a Naval officer, and in 1960 he moved the family to Oklahoma City to live out his Navy career. Paula attended Holy Child Catholic School in Oklahoma City, and after graduating, she worked at various workshops there while living at home.
In 2013, after her parents passed away, Paula lived with her sister Charlotte in Oklahoma City for four years. She enjoyed sitting on the front porch and wave to everyone who went by, often calling them up the steps so she could visit with them. That is how she affectionately became known as the “Mayor of 42nd Street.” She always wanted to know what was going on in the neighborhood.
Paula was witty, fun-loving, smart, perceptive, and loved to tease people. She also had the unique ability to wrap anyone around her little finger. She never forgot a face or name and had many friends in Oklahoma City.
In 2017 Paula and Charlotte moved to Salida, Colorado, where they lived together, and Charlotte took great care of her. She went to the Starpoint Day Program where she made many friends. As her health began to fail, she moved to the East Street Group Home in Salida, where she resided until her passing.
Paula enjoyed her life immensely and was an avid book and jewelry lover. She collected Bibles and Jesus books that she loved dearly. She also loved going to thrift stores, the library and McDonald’s. She really enjoyed talking on the phone, visiting on FaceTime and listening to Elvis and Johnny Cash. But her greatest love of all was for Jesus, attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion.
Absolutely nothing in the world could keep Paula from living her life to the fullest. Not her disability, Not her health and Not Covid. Paula changed many lives for the better and her spirit was a true inspiration to everyone who knew her.
Paula was surrounded by her loving family the day of her passing, and God sent a beautiful rainbow outside her hospital window to welcome her home. To know her was to love her.
Paula is survived by her loving sisters Charlotte Sliva of Salida, Colorado, and Janet (Bill) Preuss of Luverne; her nephews Michael Hall of Salida and Jeff (Angie) Hicks of Jennings, Louisiana; her niece, Kim (Brian) Arends of Luverne; great-niece Nikki (Anthony) Novak of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and great-nephews Cooper and Tyler Arends of Luverne; and many devoted friends including special friends “Puppet” of Oklahoma City and Amy of Salida.
Memorials may be sent in Paula’s name to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 320 E 5th Street, Salida, CO 81201.
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