Remembering Sandy
Sandra K. Snyder
July 7, 1936 - May 3, 2025
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church in Muskego, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon in the fellowship hall will follow the service.
Atonement Lutheran Church
S70W16244 Martin Dr
Muskego, WI 53150
Obituary
Sandra Kay Snyder (née Tabbert), known affectionately as Sandy, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at the age of 88 in Muskego, Wisconsin. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, Sandy lived a life filled with kindness, curiosity, and a deep commitment to others.
Born on July 7, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Mildred and Harvey Tabbert, Sandy was spirited, generous, and deeply connected to her roots. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1954 and remained close with her classmates through annual reunions. During her youth, she was active in student organizations and was crowned queen of Job’s Daughters Bethel 19. She went on to attend UW-Milwaukee Teachers College, where she joined Clio Sorority and began lifelong friendships.
Sandy’s passion for education took her around the world. She began her teaching career on a U.S. military base in Darmstadt, Germany, traveling extensively through Europe. After returning to Wisconsin, she continued to teach in Brown Deer, Elm Grove, Brookfield, and Muskego-Norway schools.
In 1964, she married James (Jim) Snyder, the man she said had “a kind smile.” Together, they made their home in Muskego, where they raised three daughters and opened their doors—and kitchen window—to many joyful gatherings, summer carnivals, and neighborhood memories. Sandy was a devoted Girl Scout leader and active participant in the AFS foreign exchange program. Her love of learning and sharing extended into roles as a substitute teacher, a reporter for the Community Newspapers, and later, a beloved costumed interpreter and Area Lead at Old World Wisconsin.
Sandy was deeply rooted in her community. She was a longtime member of Atonement Lutheran Church, where she served in many roles including on Church Council, in Sunday School, WELCA, Diaper Making Group, and Circle. She also gave generously of her time to the Muskego Public Library as a Board Member of the Friends group, helping lead the annual wine tasting fundraiser and participating in the Between the Covers Book Club. She served as an election official for many years and remained engaged and curious throughout her life.
Sandy and Jim were avid travelers throughout their life together. They often traveled the US and Canada with the girls, teaching and imparting their love of history through these travels. In retirement they continued traveling, taking trips around the world visiting family and friends and always getting in a round or two of golf. In 2006 they were blessed to be able to visit their AFS daughter Vivi in Brazil meeting her parents, siblings, husband and daughters for the first time. For their 50th wedding anniversary Jim surprised Sandy with a Rhine River cruise, something she had always dreamed of but never thought they would be able to do.
Retirement also brought winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, enjoying beach walks, golf, and visiting with friends. She was an enthusiastic gardener, quilter, puzzler, and card player—particularly Bridge and Mahjong—and cherished the camaraderie of her many game groups. After moving to Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community, she remained active in the Resident Council, Recycling Committee, and daily exercise classes.
As in everything Sandy participated in, she made new life long friendships. From teaching and trips to her days as a reporter and AFS parent to her bridge club that evolved into mahjong to her beloved Paper Dolls, she sowed the seeds of life long friendships wherever she went and whatever she did.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, James Snyder, and their daughters Julie Snyder, Kathryn Goral (Thomas), and Leslie Solis (Mario); her cherished granddaughters Sadie and Maddie Goral; and her AFS daughter Viviane Barcelos Goes of Vitória, Brazil. She is also remembered fondly by her niece, nephews, and many treasured friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Harvey Tabbert, and her brother, Roger Tabbert.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church in Muskego, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon in the fellowship hall will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Sandy’s memory to one of the organizations she held dear: Atonement Lutheran Church’s El Salvador School Program, Old World Wisconsin, Muskego Public Library, or PBS.
Sandy’s life was one of purpose, warmth, and unwavering care. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her generosity, intellect, and love.
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Sandy’s memory to one of the organizations she held dear: Atonement Lutheran Church’s El Salvador School Program, Old World Wisconsin, Muskego Public Library, or PBS.
Atonement Lutheran Church (Note: El Salvador School Program)
Old World Wisconsin
Muskego Public Library
PBS Foundation