Merelene P. Snader

Merelene Patricia (Sweitzer)Snader, 78, of Reading, Pa, passed away peacefully, Friday, May 26, 2017 in Berks Heim, where she had been a resident for almost 2 years. She was surrounded by many loving Berks Heim caretakers and family.

Born August 17, 1938 in Reading, she was the daughter of Mervin C. Sweitzer and Betty M. Sweitzer (Hilbish). She was predeceased by her husband, Donald L. Snader.

Always very industrious, after attending Northwest High School, "Pat" held a variety of manufacturing and retail sales positions throughout her life, including at Camp and McGiness, Talbots, Baldwin Brass, Acme and Weis Markets, often holding more than one job simultaneously.

Pat will be remembered mostly for her Selflessness and being a Giver. Every day she worked harder and longer so that she could give to her family and friends. She was always there to help where she could. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was so proud of her son and her daughter in law, who she loved like a daughter, her grandson and granddaughter, who she bragged about constantly, and her most joyous moments with her great-grandsons whom she spoke of as "her boys" and always spoiled. We know her time on earth is well received at the gates of heaven and her selflessness gives her a purpose beyond her time on earth to help others understand the joy of giving.

She is survived by her son John A. Gibson, husband of Mary Susan Gibson (Hudock), of Manchester, NH, granddaughter Cynthia M. Foraker (Gibson), wife of Jeffrey Foraker, Nazareth,Pa, grandson Albert D. Gibson, Delray, FL, and three great-grandsons, Rylan, Ewan, and Corbin Foraker.

In addition she is survived by three brothers, Donald Sweitzer, Greer,SC, Paul Sweitzer, Womelsdorf, Pa, and Richard Sweitzer, Shillington, Pa. She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Karen Trostle, her brother Mervin Sweitzer, and sister Gloria Gordon (Sweitzer). Aunt "Pat" will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thanks must go to the outstanding, loving caretakers of Berks Heim, who became part of her family, showering her with constant love and affection.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2017, at 11:00 am in the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reading, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265. Online condolences can be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.