Sister Joyce Snyder, 81, Registered Nurse, Educator, & Musician

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MARLBOROUGH – Sister Joyce Snyder, 81,(Sr. Marie Irene of the Cross) a Sister of St. Anne died February 1, 2022 at Alliance Health Care at Marie Esther Center.

Born in West Patterson, NJ. She was the only child of Elmer and Irene (Moquin) Snyder.

She graduated from Worcester’s Classical High. 

She attended Anna Maria College and earned a BA degree in Music.

Following graduation, she joined the Sisters of St. Anne in Marlborough and pronounced vows.

A talented musician, for the next years Sister Joyce taught piano and singing in schools sponsored by the Sisters of St. Anne.

She taught at the elementary school level in North Adams, Holyoke, Easthampton, and Marlborough in Massachusetts, and in Cohoes, New York.

Sister Joyce was multilingual and throughout her years, used these gifts at the service of the Congregation’s needs. At the end of the 60’s, she volunteered to teach and do pastoral work in our missions in Chile, South America.

Upon her return to Massachusetts seven years later, she ministered in Worcester’s Spanish Apostolate. She completed a Mission Renewal Program with Maryknoll. Following the renewal, she was assigned to Notre Dame convent in Central Falls, RI. There she served as a Nurses’ aid at the Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, RI and as a Recreational Counselor, at the Girls’ Club and the YWCA. She also served in Alaska for several years.

She was awarded an Honorary Degree from Anna Maria College in 2013. As she continued her education throughout her years of active ministry, she earned an RN degree in nursing from St. Joseph Hospital in North Providence, RI, a BSN in Nursing from Worcester State University, an MSN degree in Nursing from Simmons College in Boston and certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She currently served on Anna Maria College’s Nursing Programs Advisory Board.

Through most of the years 2000+, Sister Joyce returned to Chile and left a positive mark in all areas of the SSA pastoral ministry programs and among the people of Chile.

In addition to her cherished religious family of the Sisters of St. Anne, Sr. Joyce leaves to grieve her cousin, Janet Schultz, and her dear friend, like a sister, Joann Chapel and her family, as well as friends, and professional colleagues in this country and throughout Chile. 

Visitation and Funeral liturgy will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022, in the Chapel at 720 Boston Post Road East in Marlborough beginning at 8:45 a.m.

Burial will be in Marlborough’s Evergreen Cemetery. Masking is required and quick testing upon your arrival (please allow extra time).

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Sisters of St. Anne Retirement Fund, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Collins Funeral Home, (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.