Maria Steiber

Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Steiber, and brother Petros. She is survived by her two children Daniel (Dan) Steiber (wife Hari) and Thomas (Tom) Steiber. She leaves behind her grandchildren Nicholas, Alexander, Adam, and Jake and two great grandchildren, Olivia and Elena and sister Kathy Gruss.

Maria was born in Athens, Greece. In early childhood, Maria’s mother, Olga unexpectedly passed away during WWII leaving Maria’s father to care for three young children. He eventually married Evangelia who made a loving home for their family.

Maria’s formative years were complicated by WWII, but she was able to complete her high school education. Maria became a skilled seamstress and started her own business. Maria’s brother Petros introduced her to his friend Ralph Steiber. Ralph was serving in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Greece. After a long courtship, Ralph proposed marriage to Maria. They were married March 21, 1955, in Athens. They eventually moved to San Francisco where they started their family. Maria participated in the philanthropic organizations, Daughters of Penelope, and served as President and the Philoptochos Society. She was fiercely devoted to her family. She, along with her beloved husband, ensured their sons were immersed in Greek culture.

Maria had an open-door policy and enjoyed hosting her friends and cooking delicious meals. She was energetic and funny, making friends feel like family. Maria and Ralph enjoyed splitting their time between the U.S. and Greece during retirement. However, this was cut short in 2015 when she became Ralph’s primary caretaker as he suffered with a degenerative disease (ALS).

Maria survived breast cancer, hip, arm, and ankle fractures. She was resilient, positive, and hopeful through all this hardship. She ultimately succumbed to metastatic colon cancer compounded by leukemia.

Her son Tom was Maria’s advocate, support, and caretaker during her illness. She was fiercely independent until the end but appreciated the care and love of her sons.

Maria will be remembered for her loving generous spirit and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Visitation to begin at 6 p.m. with a a traditional Trisagion at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church,1260 Davis Street, San Jose. Funeral Service at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, also at Saint Nicholas. Burial service to follow at Mission City Memorial Park at 420 N. Winchester Blvd. in Santa Clara, where Maria will be laid to rest next to her beloved Ralph.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Office/Mail Address: 986 Chapman Street, San Jose, CA 95126. (408) 246 – 2770 [email protected]