Zenobia "Nova" Gonzáles-Snyder passed away peacefully in her home in Pecos, NM on Thursday, January 20, 2011. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she received her Heavenly reward surrounded by her sisters, daughters and close family.
Nova was born in a log cabin next to the Pecos River in "El Macho" Pecos, NM on August 10, 1936. At a young age she married her first husband, Frank Córdova with whom she raised nine children and ultimately found her home of many years in El Paso, Texas. Nova went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree in four years while she still had all her children at home. As an educator, Nova helped shape the minds of countless young people. In 1996 she received the Teacher of the Year Award. Nova was an active member of the NEA and TSTA until she retired from the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas.
For almost 30 years, Nova was the beloved wife of Ross William Snyder, who preceded her in death in March of 2010 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Throughout his illness, until her diagnosis of cancer, Nova cared for Ross in their retirement home in the beautiful Pecos Canyon at "El Macho".
Nova touched the lives of so many people with her contagious smile that always reached her beautiful eyes, warm heart that was open to all and her sheer zest for life, which was uplifting to all with whom she came into contact. Her passion for travel took her to such faraway places as Peru, Egypt, The Holy Lands, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and England-on numerous occasions, as well as other destinations. When traveling she loved to visit Cathedrals and tiny churches and after doing that she would enjoy all the shops! Her most recent journey in October was to Puerto Rico to attend the wedding of her beloved granddaughter, Cecilia. Due to her declining health, the trip was a difficult one, but with her vast travel experience and sheer determination, she was able to make the trip. Nova will be missed at the Pecos Senior Center where she visited often and worked on crafts. Her hobbies ranged from embroidery and ceramics to quilting, but her enormous talent in the crafts department was in jewelry creation. Her friends and family all have her magnificent pieces of wearable art and will cherish them as remembrances of her. Nova also enjoyed sailing with her beloved Ross on their sailboat. Those times were among her fondest memories. One of her last comments was a thank you to Ross for giving her a good life. Nova also said she did everything she wanted to do, but regretted not being here to do the things that had not yet presented themselves.
Nova will forever be remembered by her loving sisters, Sylvia Harding, Mildred Melendez and her husband, Kenneth, Cordelia García and her husband, Reyes and sister-in-law, Helen Gonzáles.
Nova was preceded in death by her parents, Tomas and Cecilia Gonzáles, infant siblings, Joanne and Sonny, sister, Arlene and her husband, Arcy Vigil, brother-in law, Ernest Harding, brother, Tom Gonzáles, and son-in laws, Kent Melton, Charlie Barela and Mark Stevens, and paternal Uncle "Brother" Andrew Gonzáles FSC, maternal aunts, Nemesia Wade, Guadalupe Armijo and uncles, Louis Armijo and Billy Wood, great-aunt, Cosme and great-uncle, Faustino Gonzáles and cousins, Adella and Max Aragón.
Nova will also remain in the hearts of her precious maternal aunts and uncles, Steve (Marie) Roybal, Antonia Wood, Mary Braken, Angie (Eddie) Chávez, Connie (Eliseo) Quintana, Gilbert (Viola) Roybal, Gene (Helen) Roybal and Frank (Dolores) Roybal. Nova will continue to live in the hearts of her beloved children and their spouses, Phillip (Debbie) Córdova, Frank Glen (Yolie) Córdova, Paul (Elizabeth Uribe) Córdova, Nova Therese Stevens and Thomas (Kelly) Córdova all residing in El Paso, Texas. With Jeanette Michele (Doug) Córdova-Ayres of Albuquerque, NM, Audrey Melton-Córdova of Pecos, NM, Laurie Vigil-Ortiz of Brooklyn, NY, Robert Vigil of Los Angeles, CA and her precious children through marriage, Cindy Gómez of Rociada, NM, Susan (Tony) Jamison of El Paso, TX and Eddie (GayAnn) Dalton of Aurora, CO. Blessed is the influence of one true, loving soul on another and her influence will continue to guide her beautiful grandchildren, Cecilia (Luis) Barela-Baez, Brandon (Jana) Melton, Charles Barela, Lauren Córdova, Natalia Ortiz, Anthony Ortiz, Tara Melton, Jacqueline Córdova, Jordan Córdova, Caroline Córdova, Rebekah Córdova, Megan Córdova, Nicole Córdova, Nova Córdova and Roma Córdova. Her grandmotherly light also shown on her step-grandchildren, Liana (Conrad) Lloyd, Alan (Kaitlyn) Gómez, Victoria Uribe and Heather Ayres, Paula (Fernando) Banales, Alexandre (Danny) Williams and Andy Reyes and step-great grandchildren Valeria, Aiden, Alyssa, Julian, Natalia, Ethan, Marley, Keynan, Kiana, and Mia.
Nova is survived by seventy-nine nieces and nephews, an extended family, many close friends and neighbors both in Texas and New Mexico too many to count. In addition, she is also survived by an extended Córdova family in Colorado.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Texas Oncology, and the 4th floor Oncology at Sierra Medical, you all were wonderful and accepting of mom's around the clock care by her children and many visitors. In addition, we are grateful for moms care from Vista Care Hospice, Dr. David Young, Chaplain Peggy, Diane, Margarita and Mom's compassionate and competent nurse, Ashley Quinn for everything they did to make a difficult time more bearable. Moreover we would like to thank St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Rev. Father Vincent Domínguez, Rev. Father Jerry Johnson and Rev. Father Bennett J. Voorhees for their continual spiritual support as mom's faith was everything to her. We would like to express our thanks to Paul and Liz, who welcomed Mom into their home for the 2 1/2 years while she was undergoing treatment in El Paso and cared for her daily needs lovingly with the assistance of moms tiny "Drs." Nova and Roma. To her sisters, all of her children, other family and friends that were there to help with good conversation, companionship, love, and support and for being so loving and helpful with mom's care both at home, in El Paso and during many hospital stays, you know who you are and may God Bless you. Mom also wished to say a special goodbye to her precious, long time companions who never left her side when she was home.... her Lhasa Apsos, Dee Dee and Elvis, whose love was unconditional.
Nova was born in a log cabin next to the Pecos River in "El Macho" Pecos, NM on August 10, 1936. At a young age she married her first husband, Frank Córdova with whom she raised nine children and ultimately found her home of many years in El Paso, Texas. Nova went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree in four years while she still had all her children at home. As an educator, Nova helped shape the minds of countless young people. In 1996 she received the Teacher of the Year Award. Nova was an active member of the NEA and TSTA until she retired from the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas.
For almost 30 years, Nova was the beloved wife of Ross William Snyder, who preceded her in death in March of 2010 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Throughout his illness, until her diagnosis of cancer, Nova cared for Ross in their retirement home in the beautiful Pecos Canyon at "El Macho".
Nova touched the lives of so many people with her contagious smile that always reached her beautiful eyes, warm heart that was open to all and her sheer zest for life, which was uplifting to all with whom she came into contact. Her passion for travel took her to such faraway places as Peru, Egypt, The Holy Lands, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and England-on numerous occasions, as well as other destinations. When traveling she loved to visit Cathedrals and tiny churches and after doing that she would enjoy all the shops! Her most recent journey in October was to Puerto Rico to attend the wedding of her beloved granddaughter, Cecilia. Due to her declining health, the trip was a difficult one, but with her vast travel experience and sheer determination, she was able to make the trip. Nova will be missed at the Pecos Senior Center where she visited often and worked on crafts. Her hobbies ranged from embroidery and ceramics to quilting, but her enormous talent in the crafts department was in jewelry creation. Her friends and family all have her magnificent pieces of wearable art and will cherish them as remembrances of her. Nova also enjoyed sailing with her beloved Ross on their sailboat. Those times were among her fondest memories. One of her last comments was a thank you to Ross for giving her a good life. Nova also said she did everything she wanted to do, but regretted not being here to do the things that had not yet presented themselves.
Nova will forever be remembered by her loving sisters, Sylvia Harding, Mildred Melendez and her husband, Kenneth, Cordelia García and her husband, Reyes and sister-in-law, Helen Gonzáles.
Nova was preceded in death by her parents, Tomas and Cecilia Gonzáles, infant siblings, Joanne and Sonny, sister, Arlene and her husband, Arcy Vigil, brother-in law, Ernest Harding, brother, Tom Gonzáles, and son-in laws, Kent Melton, Charlie Barela and Mark Stevens, and paternal Uncle "Brother" Andrew Gonzáles FSC, maternal aunts, Nemesia Wade, Guadalupe Armijo and uncles, Louis Armijo and Billy Wood, great-aunt, Cosme and great-uncle, Faustino Gonzáles and cousins, Adella and Max Aragón.
Nova will also remain in the hearts of her precious maternal aunts and uncles, Steve (Marie) Roybal, Antonia Wood, Mary Braken, Angie (Eddie) Chávez, Connie (Eliseo) Quintana, Gilbert (Viola) Roybal, Gene (Helen) Roybal and Frank (Dolores) Roybal. Nova will continue to live in the hearts of her beloved children and their spouses, Phillip (Debbie) Córdova, Frank Glen (Yolie) Córdova, Paul (Elizabeth Uribe) Córdova, Nova Therese Stevens and Thomas (Kelly) Córdova all residing in El Paso, Texas. With Jeanette Michele (Doug) Córdova-Ayres of Albuquerque, NM, Audrey Melton-Córdova of Pecos, NM, Laurie Vigil-Ortiz of Brooklyn, NY, Robert Vigil of Los Angeles, CA and her precious children through marriage, Cindy Gómez of Rociada, NM, Susan (Tony) Jamison of El Paso, TX and Eddie (GayAnn) Dalton of Aurora, CO. Blessed is the influence of one true, loving soul on another and her influence will continue to guide her beautiful grandchildren, Cecilia (Luis) Barela-Baez, Brandon (Jana) Melton, Charles Barela, Lauren Córdova, Natalia Ortiz, Anthony Ortiz, Tara Melton, Jacqueline Córdova, Jordan Córdova, Caroline Córdova, Rebekah Córdova, Megan Córdova, Nicole Córdova, Nova Córdova and Roma Córdova. Her grandmotherly light also shown on her step-grandchildren, Liana (Conrad) Lloyd, Alan (Kaitlyn) Gómez, Victoria Uribe and Heather Ayres, Paula (Fernando) Banales, Alexandre (Danny) Williams and Andy Reyes and step-great grandchildren Valeria, Aiden, Alyssa, Julian, Natalia, Ethan, Marley, Keynan, Kiana, and Mia.
Nova is survived by seventy-nine nieces and nephews, an extended family, many close friends and neighbors both in Texas and New Mexico too many to count. In addition, she is also survived by an extended Córdova family in Colorado.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Texas Oncology, and the 4th floor Oncology at Sierra Medical, you all were wonderful and accepting of mom's around the clock care by her children and many visitors. In addition, we are grateful for moms care from Vista Care Hospice, Dr. David Young, Chaplain Peggy, Diane, Margarita and Mom's compassionate and competent nurse, Ashley Quinn for everything they did to make a difficult time more bearable. Moreover we would like to thank St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Rev. Father Vincent Domínguez, Rev. Father Jerry Johnson and Rev. Father Bennett J. Voorhees for their continual spiritual support as mom's faith was everything to her. We would like to express our thanks to Paul and Liz, who welcomed Mom into their home for the 2 1/2 years while she was undergoing treatment in El Paso and cared for her daily needs lovingly with the assistance of moms tiny "Drs." Nova and Roma. To her sisters, all of her children, other family and friends that were there to help with good conversation, companionship, love, and support and for being so loving and helpful with mom's care both at home, in El Paso and during many hospital stays, you know who you are and may God Bless you. Mom also wished to say a special goodbye to her precious, long time companions who never left her side when she was home.... her Lhasa Apsos, Dee Dee and Elvis, whose love was unconditional.
Zenobia "Nova" Gonzáles-Snyder passed away peacefully in her home in Pecos, NM on Thursday, January 20, 2011. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she received her Heavenly reward surrounded by her sisters, daughters and close family.
Nova was born in a log cabin next to the Pecos River in "El Macho" Pecos, NM on August 10, 1936. At a young age she married her first husband, Frank Córdova with whom she raised nine children and ultimately found her home of many years in El Paso, Texas. Nova went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree in four years while she still had all her children at home. As an educator, Nova helped shape the minds of countless young people. In 1996 she received the Teacher of the Year Award. Nova was an active member of the NEA and TSTA until she retired from the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas.
For almost 30 years, Nova was the beloved wife of Ross William Snyder, who preceded her in death in March of 2010 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Throughout his illness, until her diagnosis of cancer, Nova cared for Ross in their retirement home in the beautiful Pecos Canyon at "El Macho".
Nova touched the lives of so many people with her contagious smile that always reached her beautiful eyes, warm heart that was open to all and her sheer zest for life, which was uplifting to all with whom she came into contact. Her passion for travel took her to such faraway places as Peru, Egypt, The Holy Lands, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and England-on numerous occasions, as well as other destinations. When traveling she loved to visit Cathedrals and tiny churches and after doing that she would enjoy all the shops! Her most recent journey in October was to Puerto Rico to attend the wedding of her beloved granddaughter, Cecilia. Due to her declining health, the trip was a difficult one, but with her vast travel experience and sheer determination, she was able to make the trip. Nova will be missed at the Pecos Senior Center where she visited often and worked on crafts. Her hobbies ranged from embroidery and ceramics to quilting, but her enormous talent in the crafts department was in jewelry creation. Her friends and family all have her magnificent pieces of wearable art and will cherish them as remembrances of her. Nova also enjoyed sailing with her beloved Ross on their sailboat. Those times were among her fondest memories. One of her last comments was a thank you to Ross for giving her a good life. Nova also said she did everything she wanted to do, but regretted not being here to do the things that had not yet presented themselves.
Nova will forever be remembered by her loving sisters, Sylvia Harding, Mildred Melendez and her husband, Kenneth, Cordelia García and her husband, Reyes and sister-in-law, Helen Gonzáles.
Nova was preceded in death by her parents, Tomas and Cecilia Gonzáles, infant siblings, Joanne and Sonny, sister, Arlene and her husband, Arcy Vigil, brother-in law, Ernest Harding, brother, Tom Gonzáles, and son-in laws, Kent Melton, Charlie Barela and Mark Stevens, and paternal Uncle "Brother" Andrew Gonzáles FSC, maternal aunts, Nemesia Wade, Guadalupe Armijo and uncles, Louis Armijo and Billy Wood, great-aunt, Cosme and great-uncle, Faustino Gonzáles and cousins, Adella and Max Aragón.
Nova will also remain in the hearts of her precious maternal aunts and uncles, Steve (Marie) Roybal, Antonia Wood, Mary Braken, Angie (Eddie) Chávez, Connie (Eliseo) Quintana, Gilbert (Viola) Roybal, Gene (Helen) Roybal and Frank (Dolores) Roybal. Nova will continue to live in the hearts of her beloved children and their spouses, Phillip (Debbie) Córdova, Frank Glen (Yolie) Córdova, Paul (Elizabeth Uribe) Córdova, Nova Therese Stevens and Thomas (Kelly) Córdova all residing in El Paso, Texas. With Jeanette Michele (Doug) Córdova-Ayres of Albuquerque, NM, Audrey Melton-Córdova of Pecos, NM, Laurie Vigil-Ortiz of Brooklyn, NY, Robert Vigil of Los Angeles, CA and her precious children through marriage, Cindy Gómez of Rociada, NM, Susan (Tony) Jamison of El Paso, TX and Eddie (GayAnn) Dalton of Aurora, CO. Blessed is the influence of one true, loving soul on another and her influence will continue to guide her beautiful grandchildren, Cecilia (Luis) Barela-Baez, Brandon (Jana) Melton, Charles Barela, Lauren Córdova, Natalia Ortiz, Anthony Ortiz, Tara Melton, Jacqueline Córdova, Jordan Córdova, Caroline Córdova, Rebekah Córdova, Megan Córdova, Nicole Córdova, Nova Córdova and Roma Córdova. Her grandmotherly light also shown on her step-grandchildren, Liana (Conrad) Lloyd, Alan (Kaitlyn) Gómez, Victoria Uribe and Heather Ayres, Paula (Fernando) Banales, Alexandre (Danny) Williams and Andy Reyes and step-great grandchildren Valeria, Aiden, Alyssa, Julian, Natalia, Ethan, Marley, Keynan, Kiana, and Mia.
Nova is survived by seventy-nine nieces and nephews, an extended family, many close friends and neighbors both in Texas and New Mexico too many to count. In addition, she is also survived by an extended Córdova family in Colorado.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Texas Oncology, and the 4th floor Oncology at Sierra Medical, you all were wonderful and accepting of mom's around the clock care by her children and many visitors. In addition, we are grateful for moms care from Vista Care Hospice, Dr. David Young, Chaplain Peggy, Diane, Margarita and Mom's compassionate and competent nurse, Ashley Quinn for everything they did to make a difficult time more bearable. Moreover we would like to thank St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Rev. Father Vincent Domínguez, Rev. Father Jerry Johnson and Rev. Father Bennett J. Voorhees for their continual spiritual support as mom's faith was everything to her. We would like to express our thanks to Paul and Liz, who welcomed Mom into their home for the 2 1/2 years while she was undergoing treatment in El Paso and cared for her daily needs lovingly with the assistance of moms tiny "Drs." Nova and Roma. To her sisters, all of her children, other family and friends that were there to help with good conversation, companionship, love, and support and for being so loving and helpful with mom's care both at home, in El Paso and during many hospital stays, you know who you are and may God Bless you. Mom also wished to say a special goodbye to her precious, long time companions who never left her side when she was home.... her Lhasa Apsos, Dee Dee and Elvis, whose love was unconditional.
Nova was born in a log cabin next to the Pecos River in "El Macho" Pecos, NM on August 10, 1936. At a young age she married her first husband, Frank Córdova with whom she raised nine children and ultimately found her home of many years in El Paso, Texas. Nova went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree in four years while she still had all her children at home. As an educator, Nova helped shape the minds of countless young people. In 1996 she received the Teacher of the Year Award. Nova was an active member of the NEA and TSTA until she retired from the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas.
For almost 30 years, Nova was the beloved wife of Ross William Snyder, who preceded her in death in March of 2010 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Throughout his illness, until her diagnosis of cancer, Nova cared for Ross in their retirement home in the beautiful Pecos Canyon at "El Macho".
Nova touched the lives of so many people with her contagious smile that always reached her beautiful eyes, warm heart that was open to all and her sheer zest for life, which was uplifting to all with whom she came into contact. Her passion for travel took her to such faraway places as Peru, Egypt, The Holy Lands, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and England-on numerous occasions, as well as other destinations. When traveling she loved to visit Cathedrals and tiny churches and after doing that she would enjoy all the shops! Her most recent journey in October was to Puerto Rico to attend the wedding of her beloved granddaughter, Cecilia. Due to her declining health, the trip was a difficult one, but with her vast travel experience and sheer determination, she was able to make the trip. Nova will be missed at the Pecos Senior Center where she visited often and worked on crafts. Her hobbies ranged from embroidery and ceramics to quilting, but her enormous talent in the crafts department was in jewelry creation. Her friends and family all have her magnificent pieces of wearable art and will cherish them as remembrances of her. Nova also enjoyed sailing with her beloved Ross on their sailboat. Those times were among her fondest memories. One of her last comments was a thank you to Ross for giving her a good life. Nova also said she did everything she wanted to do, but regretted not being here to do the things that had not yet presented themselves.
Nova will forever be remembered by her loving sisters, Sylvia Harding, Mildred Melendez and her husband, Kenneth, Cordelia García and her husband, Reyes and sister-in-law, Helen Gonzáles.
Nova was preceded in death by her parents, Tomas and Cecilia Gonzáles, infant siblings, Joanne and Sonny, sister, Arlene and her husband, Arcy Vigil, brother-in law, Ernest Harding, brother, Tom Gonzáles, and son-in laws, Kent Melton, Charlie Barela and Mark Stevens, and paternal Uncle "Brother" Andrew Gonzáles FSC, maternal aunts, Nemesia Wade, Guadalupe Armijo and uncles, Louis Armijo and Billy Wood, great-aunt, Cosme and great-uncle, Faustino Gonzáles and cousins, Adella and Max Aragón.
Nova will also remain in the hearts of her precious maternal aunts and uncles, Steve (Marie) Roybal, Antonia Wood, Mary Braken, Angie (Eddie) Chávez, Connie (Eliseo) Quintana, Gilbert (Viola) Roybal, Gene (Helen) Roybal and Frank (Dolores) Roybal. Nova will continue to live in the hearts of her beloved children and their spouses, Phillip (Debbie) Córdova, Frank Glen (Yolie) Córdova, Paul (Elizabeth Uribe) Córdova, Nova Therese Stevens and Thomas (Kelly) Córdova all residing in El Paso, Texas. With Jeanette Michele (Doug) Córdova-Ayres of Albuquerque, NM, Audrey Melton-Córdova of Pecos, NM, Laurie Vigil-Ortiz of Brooklyn, NY, Robert Vigil of Los Angeles, CA and her precious children through marriage, Cindy Gómez of Rociada, NM, Susan (Tony) Jamison of El Paso, TX and Eddie (GayAnn) Dalton of Aurora, CO. Blessed is the influence of one true, loving soul on another and her influence will continue to guide her beautiful grandchildren, Cecilia (Luis) Barela-Baez, Brandon (Jana) Melton, Charles Barela, Lauren Córdova, Natalia Ortiz, Anthony Ortiz, Tara Melton, Jacqueline Córdova, Jordan Córdova, Caroline Córdova, Rebekah Córdova, Megan Córdova, Nicole Córdova, Nova Córdova and Roma Córdova. Her grandmotherly light also shown on her step-grandchildren, Liana (Conrad) Lloyd, Alan (Kaitlyn) Gómez, Victoria Uribe and Heather Ayres, Paula (Fernando) Banales, Alexandre (Danny) Williams and Andy Reyes and step-great grandchildren Valeria, Aiden, Alyssa, Julian, Natalia, Ethan, Marley, Keynan, Kiana, and Mia.
Nova is survived by seventy-nine nieces and nephews, an extended family, many close friends and neighbors both in Texas and New Mexico too many to count. In addition, she is also survived by an extended Córdova family in Colorado.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Texas Oncology, and the 4th floor Oncology at Sierra Medical, you all were wonderful and accepting of mom's around the clock care by her children and many visitors. In addition, we are grateful for moms care from Vista Care Hospice, Dr. David Young, Chaplain Peggy, Diane, Margarita and Mom's compassionate and competent nurse, Ashley Quinn for everything they did to make a difficult time more bearable. Moreover we would like to thank St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Rev. Father Vincent Domínguez, Rev. Father Jerry Johnson and Rev. Father Bennett J. Voorhees for their continual spiritual support as mom's faith was everything to her. We would like to express our thanks to Paul and Liz, who welcomed Mom into their home for the 2 1/2 years while she was undergoing treatment in El Paso and cared for her daily needs lovingly with the assistance of moms tiny "Drs." Nova and Roma. To her sisters, all of her children, other family and friends that were there to help with good conversation, companionship, love, and support and for being so loving and helpful with mom's care both at home, in El Paso and during many hospital stays, you know who you are and may God Bless you. Mom also wished to say a special goodbye to her precious, long time companions who never left her side when she was home.... her Lhasa Apsos, Dee Dee and Elvis, whose love was unconditional.
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