Jean Roberta Snyder

Jean, aged 90, a long time Burien, Washington resident, passed away peacefully with her eldest son by her side, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Jean was a beloved mother, stepmother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.

Jean was born in 1935 to her parents, Gerald and Elizabeth “Betty” Perry. At a young age, she excelled at golf, coached by her proud father. She won many championships and earned a scholarship to Seattle University, where she met her husband, Russell Damey. Growing up as an only child, Jean longed for a large family. Together she and Russell had seven children, six of whom survived infancy. Jean was widowed in 1970. She later remarried, bringing Wesley Snyder and his children into her family.

Jean was a positive force in the world around her. After the loss of her father in her teens, she and her mother strengthened their Catholic faith, which kept her grounded throughout her life. Jean was a talented writer, providing entries into local journals. She chronicled the years of her family’s lives through annual Christmas letters and her extensive library of photo albums. A talented crafter, she sewed holiday decorations for her and her family’s homes, and personalized blankets and stuffed animals for each of her many grandchildren. Jean was a deeply involved mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a committed member of Overeater’s Anonymous, nurturing lifelong friendships that grew out of sponsorship. She collaborated with friends to support mothers in her community.

Jean found her greatest joy in her family. In her own words:

“I love being a Mom because I have received unlimited rewards from my years of raising a family. The moment I held my first child in my arms, I began a journey into the mysteries of love, which are revealed in the act of giving. This journey is an ongoing process in developing an understanding of love’s true meaning, and it continues till the end of our days.” Those words capture the heart of who she was. Jean loved deeply and was deeply loved until her final moments. She devoted her life to her faith and to her family in every way, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and unconditional love.

Jean was welcomed into eternal rest by her parents, Gerald and Betty Perry; her husbands, Russell Damey and Wesley Snyder; her children, Magella Damey, Michael Damey, and Marie Damey, stepson Wesley “Bub” Snyder; and many other loved ones who went before her. She is lovingly remembered by her children and stepchildren: Jerry (Bonnie) Damey, Julie (Carl) Nord, Ron (Alma) Damey, Jenny (Wayne) Flesch, Ellen (Dan) Wood, Peggy (Jerry) Kraft, Warren (Rosie) Leonard, and Wayne (Denise) Snyder, as well as daughters-in-law Konaly Huber and Debbie Barger. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends who were all blessed to know her love, grace, and steady faith.

A service to honor and celebrate Jean’s life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette’s in Burien with a reception following in the church hall. Family and friends are invited to join in sharing memories, love, and prayer.