Margaret J. Snyder

Margaret J. Snyder, 97, of Lebanon, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp., NJ.

Born on August 3, 1928, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Margaret was the beloved daughter of the late Kenneth and Ella (Stevenson) Bergeson.  She later made her home in New Jersey, where she built a life centered on family, faith, and kindness.

Before coming to the United States, Margaret worked as a nanny in Canada. Margaret had a lifelong love of country music, with a special place in her heart for the music of Wilf Carter. She came to the United States from Canada to be Wilf Carter’s nanny, caring for his family and beginning a journey that would ultimately lead her to build the beautiful life and family that became her greatest joy. She treasured those memories and remained a devoted fan of his music throughout her life. 

Margaret was the devoted wife of the late Austin W. Snyder, with whom she shared 45 loving years of marriage until his passing in February of 2010.  Her first husband, Frank Catanzareti, passed away in 1963.  During her marriage to Frank, Margaret worked alongside him to build and operate Frank’s Place, one of Clinton’s first and most successful convenience stores and gas stations. In her early twenties, she worked tirelessly to help run the business while raising their young family, demonstrating the dedication, resilience, and strong work ethic that defined her life.

Throughout her life, Margaret's love and care for children remained constant, touching countless young lives with her kindness, patience, and nurturing spirit.

She was a loving and devoted mother to her four children; Janet Snyder, Pat Catanzareti of Clinton, NJ, Donna Catanzareti of Clinton, NJ, and Eva M. Hoffman of Annandale, NJ.  She was blessed to have twelve grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren who affectionately called her “Nan, Nanny, or Maggie”.   

Predeceased in addition to her parents and husbands include her daughter; Janet Snyder and two grandchildren; Donna Lynn Snyder and Theresa Ann Snyder who all passed away in 1981.  Predeceased by her brothers; Wilfred Bergeson and Kenneth Charles Bergeson and her sister; Eva May Bergeson.  

Margaret was blessed with a loving extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

A woman of deep faith, Margaret was a former active member of Allerton United Methodist Church. She found strength and comfort in her church family and lived her life with compassion, and generosity toward others.

Margaret found great joy in bowling, a pastime that brought her lasting friendships, cherished memories, and many happy moments throughout the years.

Margaret will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering love for her family, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Calling hours will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 5-8pm at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ.  Funeral will be Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10am also at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, in Clinton, NJ.

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