PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Haydee Teresa (Coya Costa) Snyder, a cherished member of her community, lifelong teacher, and advocate for animals, passed away on March 26, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born on Oct. 15, 1942, in Molina, Chile, and spent most of her life in Portland, and Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Haydee was a passionate lover of animals and spent her childhood surrounded by them in the Chilean countryside, which instilled in her a deep respect and admiration for all creatures. She was particularly fond of horses and dogs, and had also lived with pigs, birds, rabbits, and a monkey at times in her life.

Haydee was a dedicated teacher who spent her career instilling in her students a love for language and culture. From Deering High School in Portland, to various Indian River State College (IRSC) campuses in Florida, she taught English and Spanish to countless students over the years and went above and beyond to help them succeed.

A devout Catholic, Haydee was an active member of her church community and dedicated her time to volunteering and helping those in need. Despite not being an American citizen, she loved her adopted country deeply and was proud to call herself a resident of the United States. She had a vibrant personality and strong sense of humor. She enjoyed cooking, dancing, politics, and time with friends and family.

Haydee was a proud mother and grandmother, deeply committed to her family and always there to support and encourage them. She remained connected to her Chilean roots, and it was important to her that she travelled to visit family far away.

Haydee is survived by her siblings Rita Rosa Coya Costa, Maria Margarita Coya Costa, and Esteban Osvaldo Coya Costa of Chile; and her son, Rob Snyder, daughter-in-law, Maureen McLaughlin and grandchildren Sloane and Sean Snyder, of Scarborough.

Funeral services for Haydee will be held on April 18, at 11 a.m. at:

Holy Family Catholic Church, 2330 SE Mariposa Ave., Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

Haydee will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she touched throughout her career. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion to animals will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be sent to the

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland,

P.O. Box 336,

Westbrook, ME 04098,

or go to

http://www.arlgp.org/memorial.

This organization aligned with her passion for animal welfare and care.

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