Andrea O Snider

Andrea Tobias-Snider

Alijandria Ojascastro was born May 3 rd , 1935, Guilong Santol, LaUnion, Philippines, to the parents of Binita and Lucio Ojascastro. The young family had a farm and worked the land for a living. There were hardships and happiness. During World War II their mother died when Andrea and her siblings were young children, leaving their young father, Lucio to raise them. Their father gave them a happy

childhood on the farm. Andrea’s fondest memories were with her brothers, sisters, and father. Under unforeseen circumstances, Lucio was killed, leaving his now young adult children orphans. The brothers and sisters were separated and invited into the homes of various relatives. Andrea was given the opportunity to come live with her uncle, Marciano, in San Francisco, the United States. 

There she went to college and studied business. At twenty-three she took an ocean liner to go visit the Philippines. She met a man, also on a journey home, named Maximino Tobias. On the ship they fell in love and in a brief courtship in the Philippines, Maximino gave his proposal for marriage. With trepidation, and coaxing from both families, Andrea said yes and in the City of Santol, Province of La Union, the year 1960 they were married in a church. Because of Max’s prospective employment with the Boeing Company, they moved to the Great Northwest which would become their home and final resting place. 

They found an apartment in Seattle, Washington, and had their first child, Maxine. Afterwards, they bought a house in Seattle and had another child, Andrew. Together they raised a family. Max worked long hours at Boeing and Andrea took care of the homefront. Max brought home the paycheck and Andrea handled the finances. An unexpected bundle of joy happened in 1969 with their youngest child, Joseph. 

Eventually they saved enough money to buy property and a small house, more like a cabin, on Bainbridge Island. Max retired from Boeing and moved the family there. Together, they fixed up the overgrown property, the old cabin, and created a home. Andrea worked at a local bank and in a service job at the sports stadium, Kingdome. Max lived to see his youngest son graduate from high school. He passed away at his home on a morning walk outside. 

With the kids all grown up, Andrea was a widow. Andrea never learned to drive and instead took busses to do errands. The bus driver and Andrea became friends and he filled the void of companionship. In 1990 on St. Patrick’s day in Port Orchard, Washington, the

honorable Judge Phillip married Andrea Tobias and Richard E. Snider in a courthouse wedding. Andrea’s life rebirthed with Richard into her second life. Together they pursued business opportunities in real estate, raised goats and chickens, and grew herbs to sell at the local Town and Country market. They lived a good and active life, attending church at St. Cecelia’s, taking care of their properties, and

themselves; they lived a frugal life. 

Although they spent little money on themselves, they were very giving to others. She always put family first, continuously planning for their future. Her youngest son, Joe, was very close to her. He always stayed close to his mom, living on Bainbridge and Seattle with her. Joseph suddenly died in a traffic accident at the age of 29. Andrea was heartbroken that she outlived her youngest son. She had faith and accepted God’s plan, but her sadness was deep and heavy. 

Andrea was never a dog person, however when Richard brought home a border collie named, Cody, he became her protector and companion. Cody was her favorite dog, and she was very sad in his passing. Over the years, Andrea enjoyed gardening and did it her own way. She took great pride in her garden. She was so glad to see her grandsons, Jerome and Antonio, and was amazed to see how tall they had become. Andrea never stopped gardening, even with a cane and later, a walker. Her last discussion was with her

beloved husband, Richard. On September 14th, 2023, Andrea’s heart stopped beating. Now she is in the loving hands of God.

Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral mass on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Cecilia's Church 1310 Madison Avenue N Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. A visitation for Andrea will be held at the church from 10 to 11:00 am. 

The interment will be made in the Island Center Cemetery immediately following lunch at the church hall at 2:00 pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.