Jo Ann M. (Weber) Steele

Jo Ann M. Steele entered eternal life on Saturday, February 27, 2021. Her spirit is carried on by her loving husband, three children, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and an extended family of friends and relatives from every walk of life. 

She was born to Joseph and Laura Weber on September 1, 1938 in Patchogue, New York where she went on to become prom queen and valedictorian of her high school. On her sixteenth birthday, Jo Ann went on her first date with a Coast Guard sailor, Henry (Hank) Steele Jr., and the two were later married on February 15, 1957.

To know Jo Ann is to know the word “love” in action. She had the biggest heart and a way of making everyone, and everything, feel safe, important, and valued. She was a nurturing wife, mother, and “Nana” whose greatest joy in life was raising her family. She was deeply connected to nature and was a skilled gardener who grew pink roses and organic vegetables in her backyard. She had a soft spot for birds, especially cardinals and blue birds, Mickey Mouse, and always made sure to save room for dessert, but most of all, she had a soft spot for Hank.

Hank and Jo Ann’s love story is one for the ages. In their 64 years of marriage they built a beautiful life and remained the best of friends. They travelled the world together visiting far off countries and wonders of the world. They swam the Great Barrier Reef, climbed the Great Wall of China, and visited the ancient Greek ruins. They spent winters in Florida and in summer they would ride antique motorcycles and cruise in their vintage Chevy. In her final days and moments, it was Hank who was right by Jo Ann’s side. 

Jo Ann worked for Associates of South Bend, retired from PHM School Corp., and was a member of the Harris Twp. Fire Dept. Ladies’ Aux. Jo Ann and Hank were members of Salem United Methodist Church.

Jo Ann is survived by her loving husband, Hank, their children, and grandchildren: Henry III. (wife Amanda, children Chelsea, Clayton, and Christina); Michelle (husband Rex, children Austin and Aleece); and Cindy (husband Steve, children Logan, Lauren, Lucas); and many great-grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. Additionally, the family would like to acknowledge mom’s wonderful caregivers from Elara Hospice and North Woods Village, who provided love, care, and compassion for Jo Ann the past several years. 

Due to COVID, a private family only service will be at the Palmer Funeral Home-Bubb Chapel, Mishawaka. She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. In Jo Ann’s memory, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Foundation, 912 Killian Hill Road, SW Suite 205, Lilburn, GA 30047.https://www.lbda.org/donate/).Lewy 

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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