Dr. Margaret T. Snyder (Meg), retired psychologist, loving mother, and cherished friend to many, died peacefully on Aug. 5, 2025. She was 84.

Born to Scottish immigrants, Meg was one of three children who grew up in New Jersey, and then graduated from Franklin High School in 1958. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from what was then known as Montclair State College, then became an English teacher at East Orange High School. Later, she earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Fordham University.

She went on to start a thriving private practice in Montclair, New Jersey, serving patients for over 30 years. During her career, she helped an incalculable number of people, and was very fulfilled by the relationships she made with her patients.

Meg had two children with her husband, Richard Snyder: a son, Hugh and a daughter, Blair, who grew up in Montclair where the family put down their roots. After Meg and her husband divorced, she bought a townhouse in Roseland, and recently retired and moved to Verona.

A proud Democrat, a staunch feminist, and an advocate for social justice, Meg was known for speaking her mind. She would often be the life of the party, and for just that reason, along with her smart sense of humor, her fantastic dance moves, and her easy laughter.

She loved to travel, and over the years visited such places as India, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the Galapagos Islands with all of her travel companions. Entertaining and socializing with friends was a priority for her, as was attending numerous symphony, ballet, and Broadway performances in New York City. She was always reading a book, often as a member of more than one book group at a time, and a New York Times crossword puzzle could usually be found by her side or folded in her purse.

She found so much joy while spending her summers on Southport Island, Maine, where she bought a house for the family. She loved being part of that warm and welcoming community, and she made some of her most dear, lifelong friends there. She became a member of the Southport Yacht Club in 1978, and her children and grandchildren are still actively sailing there. Fortunately, she was in her beloved Maine with her children when she passed away.

Meg is survived by her son, Hugh; daughter, Blair; daughter-in-law, Caroline; grandson, Brodie; granddaughter, Logan, and her granddogs, Millie, Zeus, and Ginger, all of whom she loved dearly and who will miss her terribly.

You may leave a condolence on Meg’s Memory Board, https://www.northjersey.com/obituaries/pnys1258283/memoryboard

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Planned Parenthood (plannedparenthood.org).