Nancy Jane Steiner

Nancy was born in Elwood, IL, on April 13, 1943, to George and Ernestine Gusich. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ernestine Gusich Caudle; her father, George Gusich; her stepfather, Morgan Caudle; her husband, Frederick “Fritz” Steiner; her sisters, Mary Smith and Hope Davenport; and her stepbrother, Andrew Caudle.

She is survived by her brother, John “Jack” Gusich of Huntsville, AL; her stepbrothers, James Caudle of Huntsville and Bill Caudle of Jacksonville; her nieces Kimberly Connolly Hamilton and Karen Davenport; her nephew, John Gusich of Huntsville; four stepchildren, Jeannette LaFollett (Steven) of Austin, TX, Weldon “Buzz” Steiner (Brandy) of Nashville, TN, David Steiner (Tracy) of Dallas, TX, and Stephen Steiner (Ginger) of Austin, TX; and seven granddaughters: Virginia Kate Jones, Vici Steiner, Epsie Steiner, Amelia Steiner, Claudia Steiner, Margaret Steiner, and Elisabeth Steiner. Nancy is also survived by her closest friend of more than 50 years, Shelby Hammerslag.

Nancy moved to Huntsville, AL, in 1957, where she graduated from Butler High School. She later studied Business Administration at Snead State in Boaz, AL. Nancy had an extensive career, most notably working at McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. Over the years, her work took her to Atlanta, San Francisco, San Diego, and back to Huntsville in roles ranging from banking to supporting the defense industry, including at the Naval Ocean Systems Center (NOSC), where she contributed to efforts in missiles, rockets, and the space program.

Once back in Huntsville with her beloved husband Fritz, Nancy became deeply involved as a board member of Hope’s Place Shelter in Huntsville. Together, Fritz and Nancy enjoyed a blessed life filled with travel to Annapolis, MD, Texas, Europe, Canada, and New Zealand. They loved spending time with friends and family and cheering on the Auburn University and Texas A&M University football teams, as well as the United States Naval Academy.

Nancy cherished her family and grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Grancie.” If you mentioned anyone in her family, she broke out that huge glowing smile and began to brag about how smart and talented they were and then show you her latest cross-stitch project she was making for their Christmas gift. Nancy was likely one of Santa’s top elves—there was no one who loved Christmas more: she collected Santa Clauses, especially special glass Christopher Radko ornaments.

Nancy’s warm, happy, loving, and fun spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s honor may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which she proudly supported, or The Alzheimer’s Association.