Sydney

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Marna Evelyn Steele (née Greer) on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility, Sydney.

Born in Glace Bay on December 20, 1927, Marna was the fourth of seven children born to the late Arthur and Frances (Foote) Greer.

Marna had many fond memories of growing up on the family farm in Round Island and often reminisced about her childhood there. In 1946, Marna married the love of her life, James ‘Fred’ Frederick Steele, and together they settled in Mira Gut and welcomed four beloved children. Marna cherished being a mother and wife and took considerable pride in her family. In 1978, Marna took on the new role of Grammie when the first of her six granddaughters were born. She loved being a grandmother and spending time with her granddaughters. She truly was the best grandmother, and her granddaughters cherish the memories they made with her.

Marna loved to bake and was an excellent cook. She made a delicious blueberry pie. She was an incredible seamstress. She loved to knit and crochet, and she gave the best knitted gifts. Marna loved gardening and admired nature. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: a good kitchen party and time spent with family and friends. She was resilient, witty, affectionate, generous, understanding, loving, supportive, and proud of her family.

Marna is survived by her children, Thomas Steele (Patricia), Frederick Steele (Joyce), and Frances Knickle (Andrew); grandchildren, Kristin Mike (Nathan), Jessica Kalendra (Mark), Amanda Edwards (Scott), Erin Knickle, Kathleen Steele, Emily Steele, and seven great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Marna was predeceased by her husband, James Frederick Steele; son, James William Steele, and siblings, Rufus Greer (Elizabeth), William Greer (Evelyn), Roy Greer (Audrey), Reta Phillips (Henry), Mildred Parsons (Henry), and Robert Greer (Jessica).

Marna will be remembered for her zest for life, her helping hand, and most importantly the unreserved love that she gave.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Mira Bay unit at Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility for the compassion and care given to Marna in her time of need, and to recognize Marna’s long-time friend, Louise Muise and Marna’s cousin, Norma Foote for their many years of unwavering friendship.

To celebrate the life of Marna Steele, an informal gathering will be held at the Port Morien Fire Hall between 12 noon and 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, 2023. Come and share memories of Marna with friends and family to wish her farewell.

Donations in memory of Marna may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Online Condolences

I would like to send my condolences to Tom, Freddie and Frances . Your mother was one of the best. She welcomed me and mine into her home. She loved everyone and she showed it to everyone. Every time you entered her home you were may feel like you were exactly where you were supposed to be. Many nights, we sat in her home, having homemade bread and tea, She taught me how to make homemade bread, and it’s the best homemade bread in the world she loved being in the garden. She just loved her life and I know you guys are gonna miss her dearly and even though we haven’t seen her in years when we did see her it was like time had never passed. We still got one of her big giant hugs. May she rest in peace please give my condolences to you all she was loved even if she wasn’t my blood I loved her dearly.
From:  Janey Hurley