Eleanor Steigman

Eleanor Steigman, a woman of extraordinary dedication and generosity, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of community service and kindness. Recognized as a "volunteer extraordinaire" by the Benjamin Rose Institute for her efforts to defy aging myths, Eleanor was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and honored by the Ohio Senate for her lifelong commitment to others.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 9, 1923, Eleanor spent her entire life in her beloved city. She graduated from John Adams High School and, at 18, married the love of her life, Askol Steigman. Their marriage, which lasted over 50 years, was marked by profound love and devotion, a bond evident to everyone who knew them. Together, they founded Merit Tool Company, where Eleanor managed the business office with dedication and skill.

Eleanor’s love for her Jewish faith and her community was reflected in the numerous leadership roles she held and the many accolades she received over the years. Volunteering was her life’s work—she served the community for over seven decades, believing that service connected her to people and agencies that made a real difference in the world. Through her tireless efforts, she improved the lives of countless others and inspired those around her to do the same. Her dedication stands as a true testament to the spirit of community involvement and selflessness.

Her impact on the community was far-reaching. She served as a Big Sister for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and was a dedicated member of the National Council of Jewish Women, Cleveland section, where she received the prestigious Hanna Solomon Award. Eleanor was also a life member of the Jewish Family Service Association board, past president of the Board of Trustees for the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, and a board member for Senior Transportation Connection. Her volunteer work earned her many accolades, including the Spirit of Caring Award from the United Way in 2015 and recognition as Volunteer of the Year in 1999.

In addition to her community service, Eleanor was a talented seamstress and needlepoint artist. She had a zest for life that shone through in her love for driving convertibles, often with the top down and the heater on. In later years, she enjoyed watching classic westerns and "Star Trek."

Eleanor Steigman’s life was a shining example of what it means to give back, to care for others, and to serve with love and compassion. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the lives she touched.

Eleanor is survived by her loving family: children Miriam Steigman and Marv Steigman (Vanessa Reese) of Cleveland, Faye and Scott Rickoff of Pensacola, Florida; grandson Matthew Rickoff (Lauren) of Jacksonville, Florida; granddaughter Dana Oberhausen (Dylan) of Pensacola, Florida; and her cherished great-granddaughters Alexa Rickoff, Sawyer Oberhausen, and Harper Oberhausen.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Zion Memorial Park, 5461 Northfield Rd, Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146 on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 10:00 am.

The family will receive friends Sunday following burial until 4 pm at the Steigman residence, 23350 Hazelmere Rd, Shaker Hts, OH 44122.

Contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Eleanor Steigman Fund for Older Adult Services at the Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.bkbmc.com for the Steigman family.

Arrangements under the direction of Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel (216) 932-7900.