Linda Kaufman Snyder passed away peacefully at her beloved farm in Fairmont on August 31, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by her husband, four children and sister, Carol.
Born on Dec. 28, 1947, in Pittsburgh, to Harry and Elizabeth Kaufman, Linda was raised in Fairmont, Phoenix and Miami. She graduated from Arcadia High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., and pursued studies in design in California and at Fairmont State College, where she met her future husband, Robert (Barry) Snyder, a professor of art. They married and had four children.
Linda launched her catering business, The Country Gourmet, known for its expert menus and superior service, eventually catering exclusively for David Fine, the then president of WVU Hospital. In 1984, Linda followed her passion for retail, purchasing a gift shop called The Elegant Alley Cat and eventually relocated to 358 High St. She won multiple awards for her shop windows and displays and was a Morgantown staple until her retirement in 2015.
Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and aunt. Linda was a voracious reader and an Anglophile who loved visiting England, notably Port Isaac, with her husband and her own cast of friends. She cherished family above all and found her greatest joy in preparing epic meals for family gatherings at the farm.
Linda was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Karen Kaufman Anderson.
She is survived by her husband, R. Barry Snyder; her brother, Robert Kaufman; her sister, Carol Kaufman Long; her four children, Beth Snyder Rheingold, of Maryland, Molly Snyder Petreanu, of Michigan, Benjamin Snyder and Joshua Snyder, both of West Virginia; and five grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather at a later date to celebrate Linda’s life.
Flowers and cards can be sent to: C/O Josh Snyder, 1428 Sabraton Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505. Donations may be made in Linda’s memory to:
www.pancan.org
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care and SFCC Crematory of Westover/Morgantown is providing compassionate professional services to the family.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
