Brenda Lee Snyder

Brenda Lee (Minthorn) Snyder, born January 16th 1957 in Lockwood Hospital in Petoskey MI, passed away on August 25th, 2025, at the age of 68, surrounded by her loving family. After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Brenda entered into eternal rest. Her life was a testament to resilience, service, and love, guided by her love of family and deep faith as a practicing United Methodist member. Brenda grew up in Fife Lake, Michigan, where she developed a strong sense of community and purpose. She graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1975 as valedictorian. Her determination to care for others led her first into a career as an occupational therapist. While raising three children, she returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a physician—welcoming two more children during her medical training and residency. Brenda went on to work as an emergency room doctor for over 20 years before retiring. Her career reflected not only her skill and dedication but also her deep compassion for people in their most vulnerable moments. Outside of work, Brenda poured her heart into her family. She loved organizing camping trips that took her loved ones from the rugged coasts of Maine to the sunny deserts of Southern California, from the forests of the Pacific Northwest to the shores of Florida. Her greatest joy was creating spaces where family could come together—especially during holidays, when she was known for her festive decorations, her warmth as a hostess, and her ability to make every gathering memorable. She also delighted in baking, filling her kitchen with the smell of cookies she decorated with her children and grandchildren, and crafting birthday cakes that ranged from family favorites to elaborate creations with shapes ranging from race cars to giraffes. Brenda’s love of music was another strong current in her life. She played piano and guitar, filled her home with song and laughter, and never passed up an opportunity to dance. These passions, coupled with her faith, shaped the joy she shared with those around her. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Minthorn and Marjorie (Allen) Minthorn. She is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas Snyder; her brother, Don Minthorn; her sister, Cheryl Minthorn; her children and their spouses: Jesse Snyder, Trisha Smrecak, Benjamin Snyder, Jill (Bogart) Snyder, Katherine (Snyder) Firman, Scott Firman, Nathan Snyder, and Carl Snyder; and her six beloved grandchildren, who were the light of her later years, Cavin Snyder, Keenan Snyder, Riley Firman, Lillian Firman, Roan Snyder, Nell Snyder. A funeral service will be held at Kalkaska Funeral Home, 152 S. Cedar St., Kalkaska, MI 49646, on Saturday September 6th, visitation is at 9:00 am and the service starts at 11:00 am. Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather downstairs at the funeral home for a meal and fellowship in honor of Brenda’s memory. Brenda faithfully supported the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation; those who feel moved to do so may donate in her name at https://give.myotonic.org/campaign/622795/donate or by following the QR code below. You can also donate by sending a check made out to “Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation” and mailing it to the address listed below. Additionally, if you would like to donate flowers, donations may be made by going to the Kalkaska Funeral Homes web page or contacting a local florist. Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation 663 Thirteenth Street, Suite 100 Oakland, CA 94612 Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Brenda Lee Snyder

January 16, 1957 - August 25, 2025