JoAnn “Jan” Snyder, 92, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026. She was born May 3, 1934, in Chicago to Stewart and Marjorie (Fisher) Knarr, graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1952 and received a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University in elementary education. Jan began her career at Columbia Elementary School, then Memorial Elementary School, in Valparaiso prior to beginning her family. An avid reader, she always had a book near at hand, particularly history, biography or novels.
On August 20, 1955, she married Harley Snyder who survives along with their children: Andrew Snyder (Christopher Nemethy) of Florida and Amy Snyder of Valparaiso; grandchildren: Jane (Brian) Coslet and Max (Ashley) Elliott; and great-grandchildren: Jack and Lucy Coslet.
Jan loved travel, parties (especially her own) and spending time with her family; she was involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jan was engaged with her community as a member of PEO; the philanthropic sorority Delta Theta Tau and St. Andrews Episcopal Church; as a volunteer “baby-rocker” at Hilltop House, Opportunity Enterprises; and on the Board of Directors of the Porter County Boys and Girls Club. Also, Jan and Harley were instrumental in the formation of the Porter County Community Foundation.
A visitation will be held Monday, July 20th, from 4:00-7:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 505 Bullseye Lake Rd., Valparaiso. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 21st, at 10:30 am at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 505 Bullseye Lake Rd., Valparaiso. A luncheon at Valparaiso Country Club, 2501 Country Club Rd., follows.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Porter County Community Foundation, c/o the Jan Knarr Snyder Fund.
GUESTBOOK
Dear Harley, Andrew, Amy, Jane, Max and the rest of her family, My heartfelt condolences and prayers for you all during this difficult time. Jan was such a lovely and warm woman. May God give you all His peace and comfort. -Janis Burden
Ann Bowman and I send our heartfelt sympathies to the Snyder Family. Jan was a wonderful person and a community treasure . It was an honor and a blessing to have known her. Love, -Barb Young
