Mary Alice Steinke

Mary Alice (Ferraro) Steinke, 90, of Plant City, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025. Born on November 6, 1934, in Blawnox, Pennsylvania, she was the beloved daughter of Carl and Mary Ferraro.

In 1956, Mary Alice married John T. Walmsley, and together they built a family filled with love, raising three children: John, Jeff, and Susan. In 1969, the family relocated to Plant City, Florida, which became her cherished home for the remainder of her life.

In 1982, Mary Alice married Robert (Bob) Steinke, and they shared 23 wonderful years together until his passing in 2005.

Mary Alice’s greatest joy was her family, and her top priority was always the happiness and well-being of her loved ones and dear friends. Raised in a large Italian family, she believed in loud and loving family meals and cherished countless traditions, including making homemade ravioli for Christmas. She found immense joy in bringing people together and celebrating life’s simplest and most meaningful moments.

Although not her birthplace, Plant City was the home of Mary Alice’s heart. She loved her community deeply and gave back in numerous ways, including volunteering at South Florida Baptist Hospital and the YMCA. She was also a faithful and dedicated member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where she contributed her time and care as a volunteer.

Known for her steadfast love and joy for her family, friends, and community, Mary Alice was always willing to lend a helping hand and never said no to an invitation. Her wonderful and witty sense of humor made her a delight to be around, and she continued to bring laughter and smiles to others until her final days.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mary Ferraro; her husband, Bob Steinke; her sister, Carole Ebel; and her son, Jeff Walmsley.

Mary Alice is survived by her son, John Walmsley (Anne); her daughter, Susan Collins (Scott); and her daughters-in-law, Nita Walmsley and Elaine Walmsley, step-daughter, Rebecca Steinke and step-son, Mark Steine (Brandi). She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Jeffery Chad Walmsley, Chris Walmsley (Heather), Chad Blanton (Cara), Heather Foutch-Rivera (Jonathan), Craig Walmsley (Brandi), Audrey Walmsley, Beck Easton (Lindsey), and Lexi Mora (Leroy), Isabella Steine and Giana Steine; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Will Walmsley, Bryce Walmsley, Wyatt Walmsley, Hayden Walmsley, Eli Walmsley, Blake Walmsley, Bella Blanton, CJ Blanton, Easton Mora, Samuel Easton, Stella Easton, Matthew Easton,.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the numerous caregivers that provided such loving care and support in Mary Alice’s final months, especially Jules Burt and Stephanie Haley. All her caregivers spent countless hours enhancing her quality of life. We are also deeply appreciative of the quality care and kindness she received from the team at Grace Manor at Hunters Creek.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 1:00PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey Street, Plant City, Florida. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to South Florida Baptist Hospital https://www.sfbhfoundation.org or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church https://www.stpetersplantcity.com in Mary Alice’s memory.