Virginia Beach —Jean Medway Snyder of Virginia Beach peacefully passed away at home in the presence of her loving family on May 1, 2017. As the family matriarch, Jean was a singularly devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to those around her. Her dignity, humor, and courage during her two-year battle with cancer stand as inspiration to family and friends.
Born and raised in London, Jean came to the U.S. in 1956 to marry Edward Brown Snyder, her surviving husband of 61 years. Her family was her greatest passion in life. Their children are Susan Darnell (granddaughter Sarah Dodd and great-grandchild Riley and granddaughter Gwen Darnell); Robin Brickell (spouse Sean, grandson Alex Snyder and spouse Jessica and great-grandchildren Connor and Oliver; granddaughter Lesley Snyder and grandson Quentin); Stephen Snyder (spouse Anne and grandsons Benjamin and William); Kate Jones (spouse Eric and granddaughter Cameron King); and Tammy Murphy (spouse Philip, granddaughter Emmanuelle and grandsons Joshua, Charles and Samuel). While predeceased by four of her siblings, Jean is survived by two sisters, Irene Welton of Brighton, UK and Barbara Dyer of Sydney, Australia.
Jean was instrumental in founding and naming Checkered Flag Motor Car Company, the family’s business of more than 50 years.
Jean was a prolific reader of everything from business journals to historical manuscripts and keenly aware of world events. She shared her love of books with all around her and especially her children.
A lifetime member of the Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society, Jean loved working her gardens year-round. She embedded in her family deep respect and knowledge for growing plants of all sizes and types. Jean and Ed loved attending Queen’s Day of London’s annual Chelsea Flower Show, the premier such exhibition in the world.
Jean and Ed traveled the world together. They visited more than 100 countries discovering new cultures and destinations ahead of all trend setting travelers. Inspired by the many cultures, Jean studied and incorporated themes into her own home while also serving as a resource and inspiration to her children and grandchildren as they too created their own homes.
Prior to coming to the U.S., Jean was a runway model for Hardy Amies, one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world, and universally known during this period as “dressmaker for Queen Elizabeth II .” Jean’s acute sense of understated style developed in London continued throughout her life.
A private memorial service took place at Ohef Sholom Temple. Donations to American Cancer Society or Arthritis Foundation. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.