Arleen Doris Steinke

She leaves behind her husband Jack; son Robert (Gaye) and children Meredith and Corey of Vail Co., daughter Tammy (John) and children Jaclyn of Calgary and Jonathan (Nicci) Bock and great granddaughter Nora of Edmonton, son Jeffery (Janice) and his children Carly and Taylor of Fort Frances, son Patrick (Sherri) and her children Tyler, Braeden and Jaelyn of Thunder Bay, and sister Esther Dodd of Sault Ste. Marie as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Delia and Robert Jeffery; brother Stanley and sister-in-law Pat; sister Roberta; her brother-in-law Don Dodd; her nephew Daniel Jeffery; her parents-in-law Walter and Adeline Steinke and her loving “second” parents Maurice (Frenchy) and Mary (Mamie) Vaillancourt.

She was born June 23, 1934 in Fort Frances, Ontario to the late Delia and Robert Jeffery. Arleen married John Elmer Steinke (Jack) on December 9, 1955 and lived her entire life in Fort Frances raising her family and watching over her special sister Roberta. She touched the lives of many with her love of cooking and entertaining. She was an accomplished host and she graciously welcomed everyone into her home. Arleen was an adventurous cook and was making Chinese dishes from recipes in her special cookbook long before it was popular. Most of all she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren with attention and love.

Arleen and Jack were very active advocates for improved opportunities for the mentally challenged. She worked as a cook for several years at Sybil Russell Hall and developed many enduring relationships.

Arleen courageously battled rheumatoid arthritis from the age of 16 until her death. Despite her ailments she always found time for her family and friends. Arleen enjoyed listening to her family share their adventurous travelling stories. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting with her special quilting friends and crafting her entire life. She was a longtime member of the CWL and Red Hats.

The family would like to thank the kind folks of Rainycrest and LaVerendrye Hospital for their compassionate care over her last years.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, Ontario on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 11 a.m.

If friends desire, memorial tributes can be made directly to the Arthritis Society of Canada, c/o Green Funeral Home, 600 Reid Avenue, Box 427, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.

Arleen will be truly missed by family and many dear friends. We will forever hold you close to our hearts.