Dawna J. Snyder, 61, of Cosgrove Rd, New Beaver Boro passed away peacefully Thursday, November 8, 2012 at the VNA Hospice in Butler following a brief illness.
Born January 2, 1951 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Alma Snyder.
Dawna was employed by Sysco of Pittsburgh in Harmony. Throughout her life, she enjoyed many activities. She was an active member of the Ellwood City Art Club, where she won several awards for her artwork and photography. She also trained and showed many Champion Keeshonds, which were her pride and joy. In her younger years, Dawna was an accomplished horseback rider. She also enjoyed running, fencing and cross country skiing. She was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler Fan. Dawna truly loved all creatures great and small. She was a loving person who went our of her way to shelter and find homes for abandoned and abused animals. Dawna will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
Survivors include two sisters,Eryla (Michael) Palagallo of Chapin, SC, Dennise (James) Kraus of Jacksonville, FL; niece, Kristin (Jamie) Wall of Mercer; nephew, Brian (Angela) Palagallo of Burbank, CA; great niece, Audrey Palagallo, and great nephews, Tyler Bender, Cameron Brown, and Kaiden Wall.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
At Dawna’s request, a private funeral service was held at the Marshall Funeral Home in Wampum. Interment followed in Clinton Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Ellwood City Art Club or the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
I was a friend of Dawna’s in the Buckeye Keeshond Club. All Dawna’s friends are so sorry that she wasn’t able to beat the cruel disease that took her life. I helped place her dogs after her diagnosis, but she was relieved to know they were all in good homes.Dawna will be greatly missed by her ‘dog friends’. Rest In Peace, Dawna
Again, I am so sorry to hear of Dawna’s passing. .No longer in pain .Love, Jean
I met Dawna many years ago, doing Keeshond rescue with her. Our friendship continued over to showing of Keeshonden. She was so willing to help with rescues and show points when needed. She will truly be missed, as will her beautiful artistic work. Rest in peace dear friend.
Dawna will be missed at the Art Club. Her kindness and talent can’t be duplicated.
Jan Keenan
Vice President
Ellwood City Art Club
Dawna was a long time member of the Art Club, she was a hard worker and was always ready to pitch in and help. She was a great Artist and animal lover and a good friend to all at the club. She will be greatly missed. Gone way to soon. Sandy Gallaher, Treasurer of the Art Club.
So, so sorry to learn of Dawna’s passing! We both showed and loved our dogs (I have Samoyeds), and we met through our interest in multimedia fandom. Had hoped to see her at MediaWest*Con again, some day!
My daughter and I met Dawna through the Art Club and got to know her (and her furry friends) while visiting her at her home a few times over the past couple of years and coordinating schedules to bring items to the Art Club for their rummage sale.
She encouraged us to enter the Art Show at the festival and continue to pursue artistic interests. I was to take a photography class this fall from Dawna but professional responsibilities didn’t allow that to happen. She encouraged me to take the time to enjoy photography…we discussed some options…some discussions I’ll always remember.
I will really miss her friendliness and kindness, until we meet again…rest in peace Dawna.
Dawna has left this earth far too early and she will be missed by many. Rest in peace Dawna, and we shall meet again.
I met Dawna at Sysco, She was a very nice person and took the time to talk and greet others.I enjoyed our talks. She is in a better place, no more suffering.RIP.
So sorry to hear of Dawna’s passing. We worked together to re-home abandoned keeshonds. She always had a soft spot for the aged or infirm ones. We did our best and when we couldn’t find a home, she took them in. I will miss those calls and emails from her. She was a loving person with a distinct artistic talent and photographic eye that I always admired. God bless, Dawna!