Teresa Rose Steppe

Teresa was born on September 8, 1929, in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. She spent 93 of her nearly 97 years living within a mile of her childhood home before moving to Michigan to be closer to three of her four children.

A proud New Brightonite, Teresa often shared fond memories of her childhood, high school, and dances at McDanel Hall with her friend Ginger. She graduated from New Brighton High School in 1947. After graduation, she worked as a secretary and assistant to the general manager at B&W, a job she truly enjoyed. After marrying Jim Steppe in 1954 and welcoming their first child in 1957, Teresa chose to leave her job to dedicate her life to her family. She felt that being a mother was the most important thing to her, and the rest of her life is evidence of that. We will always remember her unwavering love and support for her children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter.

Teresa also lived up to the quote from her yearbook senior photo “Sweet and petite, she can’t be beat.” She was a trusted confidante and friend to many, with a sweet smile and a great sense of humor. She never forgot a birthday, and stayed in touch with many of her childhood friends throughout her life.

A lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, now Holy Family Catholic Church, Teresa enjoyed serving her church community. She was active in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, enjoyed the parish's many card parties, and volunteered in the elementary school cafeteria while her children attended school there.

When Teresa moved to Michigan, she was warmly welcomed by the community at Brookhaven Manor Senior Living. She especially enjoyed bingo, entertainment programs, and gathering each evening with her dinner group. The kindness and friendship she found there made her transition to Michigan a happy one. Her family is especially grateful to Michele, Jennifer, and Sylvia, whose compassion, friendship, and care brought Teresa comfort and joy in her final years.

Teresa was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her four sisters, Mary, Martha, Ange, and Nancy, and her brother, Ralph. She is survived by her four children, Tom, Terri, Jean, and Jim; their spouses, Cassie, Jane, Lara and Anita; her four grandchildren; her great-granddaughter; her two special nieces, Bunnie McShane and Carolyn Barber, and many other nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Brighton, Pennsylvania.