Linda Snyder-Kohl

Linda Snyder-Kohl, age 60, of Malvern, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Green Meadows Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, in Malvern.

Born in West Chester, PA, Linda was the daughter of the late Mary Ann (McCoy) McComsey. She was the wife of Erik Snyder-Kohl. In addition to her spouse, Linda is survived by her aunts, Patricia Reynolds and Deborah Ann Buckley.

Linda, who was born with cerebral palsy,  had a unique and interesting life. She was raised by her late grandparents,  Mary Agnes and Raymond McCoy,  of West Goshen, PA. She had the advantage of living with her aunts as she grew. The three of them were so close in age that they developed a bond that can only be shared by sisters. They saw each other as sisters, rather than being aunts and niece. That bond continued into adulthood. Her grandmother, Mary Agnes, frequently stated that she loved Linda as if she were her own child.

It was that close-knit family bond that allowed Linda to mature and work through her handicap. Doctors told her family when she was young, that her cerebral palsy would keep her from walking and talking. She proved them wrong. Her grandmother used to say Linda was "determined," which was a complete understatement. Basically,  if you said Linda couldn't do it, she did it anyway.

Her family placed her in the Home of the Merciful Savior in Philadelphia, now HMS School, a facility that specializes in working with CP diagnosed children, for two years to aid in her development.  She built lasting friendships there and excelled. She continued her schooling locally and graduated from West Chester East High School.

As an adult, she worked with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy in summer camps. Her physical condition gave her a unique perspective on how best to work with them. She also worked at Lynch Homes of Chester County at their day program for adults with developmental conditions during the late 1980's. The work wasn't always easy for her, but she always said after she left how much she cared for and loved the residents.

Through the Chester County Library Literacy program, she developed a love for writing and computers and began to write and correspond with others via phone, email, and the internet.

She was a staunch advocate in supporting folks with mental health conditions whom she met through online chat groups. She also traveled to North Central Pennsylvania,  the Jersey Shore, and Cornwall, Ontario, to meet some of them.  She regularly spoke with a person in Ireland to be a part of his support group.

She loved God and her evangelical church family. Linda’s favorite televangelist was Joyce Meyer, and she attended conferences when she came to Hershey.

Services will be conducted privately at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Linda’s name may be made to HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy.