In Loving Memory of
MaryJo Snyder
April 13, 1955 – September 16, 2025
Virtual Memorial Gathering
January 17, 2026
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MaryJo Snyder Obituary
Mary Jo Brock Copher Snyder passed away in Anchorage, AK on September 16, 2025.
Born on April 13, 1955, Mary Jo moved frequently in her youth until she ended up in Kansas City, MO where she attended Southwest High School and then worked at the Kansas City MO Federal Reserve. After moving to Minneapolis for a few years, she then moved to Alaska in 1992 (just before Mount Spur erupted) and arrived at her forever home. She knew from watching “Northern Exposure” that it was the place for her.
Everyone who knew Mary Jo knows her devotion to her dogs; through her lifetime they were her family. She has many four-footed friends waiting for her across the Rainbow Bridge. Pugs were her favorite but she gave her love to all dogs. She was very active with Polar Pug Rescue and Friends, including being on the board of directors for years, and was known for throwing fantastic Pug parties.
After many years working for VF Grace, she was able to enjoy a couple years of retirement before her passing.
Mary Jo is predeceased by her parents, Terry and Mary Brock; and she is survived by her brother, Michael Brock (spouse Valerie Schroer), and her sisters, Jeanne Marie Brock, Kathleen Brock, and Anne Brock (spouse Brent Gilstrap), along with her nephews Toby Breig Brock (spouse Kaye Lewis) and Tiger Brock Baker (partner Kara Kanatzer), as well as loving cousins, aunts and uncles.
Mary Jo was gifted with many friends over the years who supported her and found joy with her. A special thanks to Ted Nictune, who was invaluable in her last few months.
Donations to local dog rescue organizations in her name are greatly appreciated.
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Thank you MaryJo for everything you’ve done to help pugs and other animals. You really made a difference! I miss you!
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My cousin was legendary to me! Our grandmother always spoke with such pride of Mary Jo., and I admired her huge heart and adventurous spirit.!
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I feel blessed that I’d known her since I was born, being one of her younger sisters.
Under the word “unique” in the dictionary, you’ll find her: they truly broke the mold after she was made.
The Rainbow Bridge is now empty, because all of those beloved pets followed my sister into Heaven.
(And if anyone’s ever lost a child, don’t worry, my sister is there, healing them with love and laughter and animals.)
Because that’s who she was. And this planet is lesser now that she’s gone.
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I “met” MaryJo virtually from pugvillage probably around 20 years ago. I have enjoyed her pictures and posts of all her dogs (and I believe a Guinea pig) over the years. She has done a lot of good in the world and was taken too soon! Sending my deepest sympathy to her loved ones. I really miss her! 😢
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I met Maryjo online on my pug forum and we became fast friends. We exchanged Pug Christmas cards for years. I looked forward to her cards as they always featured her pugs. Most notably Thelma and Louise. Maryjo will be missed. She was truly a pug angel.