“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Evelyn Nadine Steelman, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.
She was the daughter of Manuel and Mary Souza. Raised in Tulare, California, she was raised on a dairy farm.
As a young girl, Nadine was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Nadine was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Nadine was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Nadine was raised with 5 siblings: Clara, Daniel, Josephine, David, and Irene. Nadine was constantly involved in activities with her family.
Nadine was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. Nadine enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class was Home Economics. After high school she went to a trade school and became a beautician. In the summer of 1959 she toured Europe. In 1962 she married Glen Steelman.
Nadine was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Nadine was blessed with 2 children, Souzanne and Shawn. She was also blessed with 3 grandchildren, Christopher, Breanna, Morgan.
A methodical and patient worker, Nadine preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were cooking, sewing, knitting and ceramics.
Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Nadine had smooth sailing. Favorite vacations included camping in Lake Tahoe every summer.
Nadine had Bijou, a poodle, who was her best friend for 14 years. Evelyn was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.
She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing cards with friends, cooking and a little gardening. Even in retirement, Nadine continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.
Nadine passed away on July 16, 2018 at Copper Creek Inn, Chandler, Arizona. Nadine died of natural causes following a years-long battle with dementia. She is survived by 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, Chandler, AZ. Evelyn will laid to rest in Valley of the Sun Cemetery, Chandler, AZ on January 19, 2019.
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