Long-time League member Pat Snyder used her intelligence, compassion, and concern for others to work for social and economic justice throughout her life.
 
The oldest of five children, Pat Snyder was born 86 years ago in Pittsburgh, PA. Her family has been a richly important part of her life. She and her husband of 62 years, Don, had four children. The family suffered the devastating loss of the youngest, an adopted Samoan daughter, to leukemia at a young age.
 
Pat was a psychiatric nurse, and received a PhD in Nursing Administration at George Mason University. She served as Director of all support services, including nursing, at an orthopedic hospital in Baltimore, MD. After learning to swim at age 55, Pat became a dedicated swimmer for the rest of her life.
 
Pat was a passionate advocate for healthcare for all Californians, and believed that a single-payer system would be the most equitable, efficient, and economical way to provide that care. After moving to California, Pat served for many years as a LWV California legislative analyst, providing in-depth analysis of healthcare bills, and recommending League action on those bills. Pat also represented LWVC in several statewide single-payer coalitions.
 
Pat founded the Contra Costa County chapter of Healthcare for All - California, and served in leadership roles in HCA and single-payer coalitions for 20 years. Pat was a highly-regarded speaker on health care issues, and educated League and community members in Contra Costa County, and throughout California.
 
Although many of us thought of Pat as primarily an advocate for health care reform, she was also actively involved in the Multi-Faith Social Justice Alliance and the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County. When LWVC supported Proposition 15, the 2020 effort to reform 1978’s Proposition 13, Pat was asked to help educate the faith community. Pat made sure that the community understood the issues and implications of the proposition and how it would help all Californians. Pat’s personal integrity and analytical mind engendered confidence and trust as she carefully explained and answered questions. Her efforts helped Contra Costa County bring this reform effort closer to passage than pundits predicted.
 
Pat Snyder has left a rich legacy, both personally and professionally. She was honest, articulate, sharply intelligent, and generous with her time and knowledge. Pat inspired others to become empathetic and committed leaders. Her sense of fun and humor were infectious. She mentored many of us, and will be greatly missed.

Marian Shostrom, Janet Thomas, and other LWVDV members