Mary Faith Haggerty Snyder of Vineyard Haven died of congestive heart failure on May 17, 2011, at home, surrounded by her family. She was a woman of purpose, planning, and passion.
She was born January 16, 1924, in New York City to Walter and Anna (Cotter) Haggerty. The oldest of four siblings, she was raised in Caldwell, New Jersey.
Mary graduated from Douglass College in New Jersey and was married to Benson R. Snyder for 28 years. She and her family lived in many communities across the country, spending the most time in Wellesley, where she was very involved in her children’s school PTO and local politics. After raising six children, she earned her Masters in City Planning from Harvard Graduate School of Design in the mid-1970s.
Mary worked in Boston for the Central Transportation Planning Staff and Fay, Spofford and Thorndike. Her favorite projects included her work as the Community Liaison for the Southwest Corridor Park project and the revitalization of Boston Harbor.
In 1996 she built her self‑designed home in Vineyard Haven. She chose a site near the Town Hall and the library, to continue to participate in municipal projects. She was passionate about being an informed and vocal citizen. A determined advocate for issues that concerned her, she rarely missed a meeting, and was current in local politics up until her death.
Mary was a devoted mother. She enjoyed her garden, sailing, Tai chi, her book discussion group, and visits from her family and friends. Her dedication to standing up for her beliefs has been an inspiration to all of us.
She is survived and will be missed by her children Ellen Curley, Greg, Deirdre, Gretchen and Andy Snyder and Robin Snyder-Drummond, 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her brother John Haggerty and his family.
In honor of her passing, please support your local library.