School Director And Former Councilwoman Passes Away In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Bensalem Township School Board Director Heather Snyder, a former councilwoman, has died.

Snyder served on the school board since 2019 after a lengthy career in education.

Her obituary said the lifelong educator, grandmother, mother, wife, and friend - died in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct. 18, at home with her family and cats by her side.

The Bensalem Township School District was scheduled to have its monthly meeting Tuesday night. The agenda includes Snyder's name and her name is also on the school district's website.

"Heather spent her life and career in service to others. Politics was just one part of that—and it was one that she didn’t go looking for. Politics went looking for her," posted Leann, vice chairperson of the Bensalem Democratic Organization.

The organization stated that when her first husband, Arnold Ody, passed away, Snyder finished his term on the Bensalem Council. Then, in 2019 when asked to run for School Board, she did.

"Heather’s political engagement was due in its entirety to her love for her community and her commitment to improving the lives of everyone around her—especially 'the kids.' If Heather loved you, you felt it, and she also made sure that you heard it."

The Bensalem Republicans also posted about Snyder's passing, saying that she "touched the lives of countless school students in our community during her quarter century as a teacher and principal in the Bensalem School District."

"Among the many lessons Heather taught family, friends, and students alike was the following: 'Make a difference. Every day. For serving others is the greatest gift of all.' In this, she was an example to us all," Bensalem Republicans posted on their Facebook page.

Snyder is survived by her husband Lamar Snyder, and her children and grandchildren, including Bensalem’s own, Jess Ody and Sadie., the obituary said.

A cause of death was not listed in the obituary.

Relatives and friends and invited to attend her viewing on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Friday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Fluehr Funeral Home, 864 Bristol Pike (Rt. 13) in Bensalem Township.

The funeral service is at 11 a.m. Interment will be private, her obituary said.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Heather’s memory may be made to the Bensalem Education Foundation for the continued addition of diverse titles in Bensalem school libraries, 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem PA 19020.