Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Wendy Snetsinger
- Shawn Kennedy
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
"Cancer factored significantly in Wendy’s life. She lost her mother and younger sister to breast cancer, her 17-year-old daughter to Sarcoma and later in life, she also lost her husband to cancer – but throughout it all, she still lived life to the fullest."
During the third week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are highlighting Wendy Snetsinger, who is a good friend of TEAM NITTANY member, Joann Dornich. Wendy Snetsinger, a Chicago native, passed away from breast cancer on September 14, 2025, at the age of 85. Cancer factored significantly in Wendy’s life. She lost her mother and younger sister to breast cancer, her 17-year-old daughter to Sarcoma and later in life, she also lost her husband to cancer – but throughout it all, she still lived life to the fullest. Wendy was an avid artist and a founding member of the Art Alliance of Central PA; an active member of the Bellefonte Art Museum; and she established the Clare Fund, in her daughter’s name, as a scholarship for emerging art students. Wendy and her husband, Bob, also established the Snetsinger Butterfly Garden in State College, PA, in Clare’s honor. Wendy had a B.S. in Art Education, a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems, and was an adjunct professor at Penn State University. She has an adult daughter, Laurel, and son-in-law, Richard, in whose company she delighted.
Joann Dornich: “We have been good friends for the last decade. Our friendship began while we attended the same yoga class 10 years ago. Wendy was in her mid-70s. When they mentioned her last name in class, I knew the name because it was her 17-year-old daughter that I used to know. Clare was our connection! Wendy was very active. She loved to travel and she strength-trained consistently, as well as did yoga three days a week for many years. She loved to walk, which we did often together outside in local parks.
Wendy was diagnosed in her early 80s with breast cancer. Within six months, she underwent a mastectomy. She went through chemo treatments and other medications. It was a rough ride with fatigue and low energy. This was hard for her because she was so active. She had an upbeat and curious perspective on life. She was still traveling whenever possible. Wendy was full of light and love. When you sat down with her, she would want to know everything about you. She shared freely about her own life’s ups and downs. When you were in Wendy’s company, you were the most important person to her.
I have learned that once someone passes away, you still have a part of that person’s spirit as a gift for your own life. At 82, Wendy reconnected with an old friend, Frank, and started a relationship. They had a great time traveling, exploring, meeting each other’s friends and family, and sharing beautiful things in their sunset years. Wendy took good care of herself. She was committed to her health and was very fit. I would love for people to know that she was present in every moment. She had a light-filled presence about herself, and when she was with others. When Wendy Snetsinger talked to you, she would look you right in the eyes. She was with you 100 percent. Her heart was so sincere!”
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