Gloria Kaczanowski (Snyder), age 86, formerly of Wayland, died Saturday, Jan. 18.
Gloria was the first of nine children born to parents Robert and Lorraine Snyder on Sept. 19, 1938. Raised in Caledonia, she graduated from Caledonia High School in 1956. After settling in Wayland to raise her family, she started her long career in the commercial insurance industry and retired in 2002. During her career, Gloria belonged to the Insurance Women of Grand Rapids Group and was recognized with a lifetime achievement award.
Having a giving spirit, Gloria devoted much of her time to family, church and community. She loved learning, gardening, traveling stateside and abroad, her book club, attending lecture series at Aquinas College and being the white-haired lady who walked her little white dog.
Her family greatly enjoyed being recipients of her love of cooking and baking.
Prior to her stroke in 2019, Gloria was a faithful member of St. Therese Parish for many years and was involved with Christian Services and Christian Neighbors Food Pantry. She also served on various City of Wayland committees.
Gloria was a loving, caring and devoted mom, grandma and friend.
Gloria is survived by her daughters, Susan (Mark) Laycock-Steffes, Beth Lewis and special friend Gary; her grandchildren, Robert (Ted) Kaczanowski, Sarah Laycock (Brandon), Drew Lewis (fiancé, Theresa Brummel), Marlee Lewis ( Matthew); siblings, Shirley (Maury) Brouwer, Tom (Marylee) Snyder of FL, Terry (Ed) Way of TX, Edna (George) Laker; sister-in-Law, Liz Snyder; and many nieces and nephews.
Gloria was preceded in death by her son, Robert J Kaczanowski; son in-law, Richard M Laycock; parents, Robert and Lorraine Snyder; siblings, Robert “Butch” Snyder, Wendell Snyder, Carolyn Stratton, and Cheryl DeGroot; friend and former husband, Gerald Kaczanowski.
Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Family will greet visitors from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at St. Therese of Lisieux, 128 Cedar St., Wayland, where the memorial mass will begin at 11 am, Fr. Maximilian Nightingale as celebrant. Interment will be in Blain Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.
