Rowena M. Steele

On June 15, 2014, the world lost a wonderful woman. Devoted and beloved wife of Lendell Eugene Steele, precious mother to Joyce Steele McCartney, Carol Ann Steele Chaparro, Pamela Steele-Nelson, and Linda Steele; as well as her “boys”, Brian, Juan, Rick, and Ed, grandmother to Maureen & Matt, Caleb & Elaine, and Matthew; great grandmother to Cadence, Piper Lee, James Ian and Blaise. Rowena is predeceased by her parents and brother Cleve Miller, and is survived by her sister Meryl Miller Patterson and many nephews and nieces who have many special memories of “Aunt Nina.”

Rowena was born to Blake and Pernie Miller of Hiddenite, North Carolina on August 18, 1928. Rowena and Lendell, longtime residents of Springfield, celebrated 65 years of marriage on January 29, 2014. Rowena worked for the U.S. Government in their early years of marriage, but devoted her life to her husband and their girls. She never met a stranger, and eagerly invited friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and all children into their home. She was the first to offer to help those in need, never one to focus on herself.

Rowena’s sweet spirit, eternal smile, energy, and giving heart will be missed always. She is now in heaven, preparing her signature Southern dishes, playing with children and animals, singing Gospel songs, leading Girl Scouts on hikes, planting flowers, and looking forward to having her Forever Sweetheart join her.

Visitation to honor Rowena will be held on Friday, June 20th from 3-6pm at the Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151

Rowena’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 21st at 2pm at the First Baptist Church of Springfield, 7300 Gary Street, Springfield, VA.

As Rowena suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease, the family requests that any contributions be made to ALZ.org (Alzheimer’s Association) in lieu of flowers.