KNOX — Alison Somerset Snyder was “like a brilliant ray of sunshine,” said her mother, Deborah Mae Roberts.

No words can express the light that Alison brought to every moment, every person she encountered.

A devoted mother to her five children — the youngest is 2 years old — she was busy keeping up with their many activities.

She died unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 24. She was 37.

"She was very active, kind, and outgoing, always helping people,” said her mother. “She was a wonderful mother.”

Alison’s extraordinarily beautiful heart was completely devoted to her five children.

Raised in Knox, Alison married her childhood friend, Michael Snyder. Their children are being raised to embrace joy in simple pleasures and delight in outdoor adventures as their mom did.

“She loved to go fishing,” said her husband, and would enjoy times spent at her father-in-law’s place on Warners Lake.

She also loved gardening and helped her mother with her greenhouse business. When Tropical Storm Irene struck the Hilltowns, ruining many homes, “it was Ali’s idea,” her mother said, to open the greenhouse for donations to be stored until people could rebuild.

Alison’s nurturing character was evident every time she walked near a plant or flower that needed attention. She would, almost unconsciously, adjust the soil, deadhead the flowers, and leave every plant a little better for that moment with Ali, just as she did with every person lucky enough to have known her.

Alison had a gift for cooking and took great pride inventing new dishes for family and friends. A resourceful and deeply sensitive person, Ali never failed to brighten the day of everyone she encountered.

Alison shared a special bond, including her birthday and a family middle name, with her grandfather, Douglas Somerset Roberts, who died before her. Together, they will be an incredible force of guardian angels for their survivors.

Alison is survived by her magnificent children: Brodan, who shares her sensitivity; Eliza, her joy and beauty; Landon, her adaptability; Cashton, her daredevil spirit; and Lilyana, whose infectious enthusiasm keeps her family laughing just as Alison would.

She is also survived by her husband, Michael Snyder; her mother, Deborah Mae Roberts; her father, Franklin Dale, and his wife, Pam; her brother, Daniel Dale, his wife, Alyssa, and their children, Carleigh and Elijah; her brother, Justin Dale, his wife, Maria, and their children, Konnor, Dominic, and Aubrey; and by her grandmother, Carol Roberts.

“The entire family has been so loving and supportive. Mike and I are very grateful,” said her mother.

Alison will live on in the unexpected acts of kindness and generosity any of us offer in her name.

A celebration of her life will be held this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to GoFundMe: Raising for Alison’s Kids.