Toby Jan Schneider, 56, died Sept. 18 at her Bainbridge home.

She was born on Feb. 15, 1949 in Hammond, Ind., to David Silverman and Ina Teplitz.

She worked as a speech therapist with very young children.

She was an accomplished jazz vocalist and often sang for benefit performances. She enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends and liked to knit, dance and create flower gardens.

She and her family moved from Maine to Bainbridge Island 12 years ago. She was a member of the Kol Shalom and Shir Hayam congregations. Inspired by facing her life-threatening illness, she wrote spiritual essays that will soon be published.

She is survived by her husband George Schneider; her children Lilly and Samuel Schneider of Bainbridge Island; her brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Sharona Silverman of Phoenix, Ariz.; her brothers-in-aw David and James Schneider; nieces Rachel and Arielle Silverman, Isabel Schneider; and nephews Ben and Zac Schneider.

Services were Sept. 20, with interment at Port Blakely Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation. Arrangements are by Kass & Cook Family Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island.