Mary Ann Soltero

Mary Ann (Steigerwald) Soltero, formerly of Mercer Island and Sequim, Washington, and most recently Morrison, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, at the remarkable age of 103, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on March 19, 1923, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Mary was the beloved daughter of John M. Steigerwald and Kathleen Julia (Clifford) Steigerwald. She grew up alongside her brother, John Edward Steigerwald, with whom she shared not only a close bond but also the same birthday—born exactly four years apart.

Mary attended Holy Angels Academy before graduating from Mount Mary College with a degree in Occupational Therapy. On July 7, 1945, she married the love of her life, Donald E. Soltero, M.D., at St. Sebastian Church, a place that held special meaning for her family.

The church had been built by the Steigerwald Construction Company on land donated by the family, making it a fitting place to begin a marriage that would last nearly seven decades. Together, Mary and Don shared 69 wonderful years, raising six children and building a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion to family.

When Don was called to sea early in their marriage as a physician in the U.S. Navy, Mary returned to Wauwatosa to live with her parents while caring for their young sons, Don and Mike. Those early years reflected the quiet strength and steadfast devotion that would define her life. The family later moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where they welcomed their third son, John. Don's career as an anesthesiologist eventually brought them to Seattle, where they first lived in Laurelhurst and welcomed their daughter Sally before settling on Mercer Island, where daughters Julie and Kathy completed their family.

Mary's greatest joy was simply being "Mom," "Grandma," and "Great-Grandma." She found happiness in caring for those she loved, creating a home where everyone felt welcome, accepted, and deeply cared for. Family was always at the center of her life.

Holidays, birthdays, and dinners were never just meals—they were celebrations of togetherness. Mary delighted in preparing beautiful tables, favorite family recipes, and gatherings where laughter, conversation, and love filled every room.

Her generosity extended far beyond her own family. At St. Monica Parish on Mercer Island, she gave countless hours as a volunteer, serving on the Altar Society and the school board. She also found joy in painting, knitting, and spending treasured time with family and friends at the family's log cabin on Lake Cle Elum. Whether sharing a meal, offering quiet encouragement, or simply opening her home, Mary had an extraordinary gift for making every person feel valued and loved.

Those who knew Mary will remember her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, quiet strength, and gracious heart. She never sought recognition for the countless ways she cared for others. Instead, she lived by example—with kindness, humility, patience, and unconditional love. Her greatest legacy is not only the family she raised, but the values she instilled in them: faith, generosity, compassion, and the importance of always making room for one more at the table.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Emmanuel Soltero; her brother, John Edward Steigerwald; her sister-in-law, Nancy Steigerwald; her cherished son, Donald John Soltero; his wife, Sharlene Kae Soltero and her precious great-grandchildren, Andrew Soltero and Addalyn Fossum.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Dr. Mike (Paula) Soltero of Santa Clarita, California; John Soltero of Sherman Oaks, California; Sally (Dave) Gore of West Linn, Oregon; Julie (Jim) Linker of Redmond, Oregon; and Kathy (Dr. Phil) Neff of Morrison, Colorado. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Willowbrook Place, Home N' Stead, especially Virginia and Doug and Dignity Hospice for the kindness, comfort, and dignity they provided Mary during her final days.

Mary's life was a blessing to all who knew her. She showed her family that love is best expressed through kindness, generosity, and being present for one another. Her warmth, grace, and unwavering faith will continue to live in the hearts of those she loved so deeply.

While she will be profoundly missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is reunited with Don and those who went before her, and that her love remains with them always.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Rosary and Eulogy starting at 1:30 PM followed with a Catholic funeral mass on August 14th at Light of the World Catholic Church, 10306 W Bowles Ave, Littleton, CO 80127.

Interment will be October 3, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens In Bellevue Washington

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

The website is: https://www.macular.org/want-to-help/donate