Patricia Snyder

Patricia McKeone Snyder, 81, of West Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on September 28, 2026. Born October 15, 1944, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Alexander Joseph McKeone and Hazel Mae Wiker McKeone.

Patricia was a woman of remarkable intellect, curiosity, and dedication to learning. An applied mathematician by profession, she built an accomplished career spanning mathematics, operations research, information technology, education, and consulting. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Physics from the University of Rochester in 1974, her Master of Business Administration from Temple University in 1977, and both a Master of Science in 1983 and a Ph.D. in 1985 from North Carolina State University.

Throughout her career, Patricia shared her knowledge in both academic and professional settings. She served as an Assistant Professor in the Information Systems/Management Science Department at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, worked as a programmer with the Earth Sciences Division at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and later served as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Business at the University of Washington in Tacoma. After relocating to South Carolina, she worked as a system designer, developer, and information technology manager with the South Carolina Budget and Control Board and later served as Department Chair and Instructor in the Department of Computer Science at Midlands Technical College. She also devoted many years to consulting in operations research and information technology.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Patricia will be remembered for the qualities that defined her life away from work. She was a lifelong learner who treasured reading and education and had a particular interest in genealogy, researching family history, and family finances. She was deeply interested in her students and found great meaning in teaching and encouraging others.

Patricia was a faithful Christian woman who generously gave her time through volunteer work. She served in churches teaching Sunday school, servicing on pastor sermon feedback committees, and giving her time to many other church programs. As a military wife, she understood the unique responsibilities and sacrifices of military families and offered support and friendship to other military wives. She served as a volunteer with Girl Scouts and Army Community Service. Guided by a strong moral compass and a deep sense of duty, honor, and country, Patricia sought to lead her family with kindness and purpose. In her later years, she enjoyed attending services at Trinity Cathedral.

Above all, Patricia treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother, and a woman whose love of family remained at the center of her life.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Dr. Karl Snyder; her daughter, Kelley Brooke Hostetler and her husband, Darrin, of Alexandria, Virginia; her son, Scott S. Snyder and his wife, Hong Li, of Port Jefferson, New York; her grandchildren, Katie Hostetler, Jack Hostetler, Alec Hostetler, Erin Hostetler, Alice Li Snyder, and Emily Mei Snyder; and her cousins, Marcia Wiker and Carolyn Wiker.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Mrs. Patricia’s life donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.