Helen Kahn Snider, of Tucson, Ariz. and Pemaquid Harbor, passed away on April 24. She was born on March 10, 1914, in New York City, N.Y., the daughter of Edward Kahn and Jennie Kristall Kahn. A graduate of Brooklyn College, she went on to receive a Master’s degree in library science from Columbia University. She worked as a librarian in many capacities and disciplines. While at the Conservation Foundation in New York City, N.Y. she met her future husband, the late Robert G. Snider. In addition to being a research librarian, Helen was the background researcher for several corporate histories. Upon retirement she volunteered her archival skills in several museums and other non-profit organizations.
Through Bob’s work, the Sniders lived in Dallas, Tex., State College, Penn., Washington, D.C., and Tucson, Ariz., the city in which they retired. When not in Tucson, Ariz. or in their log cabin in Pemaquid Harbor, the Sniders traveled throughout the world.
After her husband’s death in 1993, Helen moved from her home in Tucson, Ariz. to Santa Catalina Villas, a Tucson retirement community, where she had another view of the Santa Catalina Mountains. At SCV she became the volunteer librarian for their two libraries, dedicating much energy and many hours to enriching the reading pleasure of the community’s residents. Helen is remembered for her acerbic wit, wise advice, and love of Regency novels and word puzzles of any kind.
Helen is survived by her cousins Stanley Kahn of Berkeley, Cal., and Larry Kahn of St. Louis, Mo.; her nieces and nephew, Jane K. Alper of Brookline, Mass., Willa K. Lazan of Worcester, Mass., and David Kahn of Worcester, Mass., and their families; her stepchildren, Peter G. Snider of San Francisco, Cal., and Nancy Snider Dickinson, of Riverside, Conn., and their families.
Truly a family person, she was always ready to attend a celebration or gathering of her relatives, no matter how great the distance.
To honor Helen, please consider contributions to a social services or an environmental conservation organization of your choice.
