Eleanor Frances Snider (née Hartigan)

Eleanor Frances Snider passed away peacefully on February 11, 2023, at the age of 91 years.  She leaves to mourn her beloved husband, Vernon Snider, children Christine, Paul (Lina Bernardo) and Phillip (Elin Goulden); grandchildren Hope Ferris, Kate (Angus) James, Geoff Ferris, Ian Snider and Matthew Snider, and great-granddaughters Regan and Lydia James.  Eleanor was predeceased by her parents Joseph Cyril and Ivy Matilda Hartigan and two brothers, Patrick (who died in infancy) and Colin.

Eleanor was born in Ballari, Madras Province, India on January 14, 1932, where her father served as a member of the military police during and immediately following the British colonial administration.  In 1956 she, together with her parents and brother Colin, immigrated to Canada, settling in Toronto. Soon after they arrived, Eleanor took a job at the local Kresge’s store.  There she met coworker Vernon Snider, and discovered that his sweet tooth was not the only reason for his frequent visits to her candy counter!  Vern and Eleanor married in Toronto in June 1958, and would have celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary this year.

After living in Toronto and North Bay, Eleanor and Vernon settled in London, Ontario in 1971, where they raised their family and enjoyed their retirement.  Eleanor was a proud homemaker and excellent cook.  She was known for her collection of Company’s Coming cookbooks and her interest in new recipes from magazines and the Food Network.  She was a keen royal watcher, keeping up with the latest news on the British royal family. Eleanor also loved animals, from family pets to the birds at the feeder in the backyard and the wildlife which she saw on her walks in Springbank Park. She was a fiercely loving and generous mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will be deeply missed.

The family wishes to extend thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff of Victoria Hospital and the Parkwood Centre Palliative Care who cared for Mom in her final days.  A family service is planned at Westview Funeral Chapel in London, followed by interment in Woodland Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.