Nancy Steele

Turner - Nancy Violette Steele, 58, of Turner, passed away Thursday July 19, 2012 due to an accident at the "Ivy Cottage". She was born in Lewiston, on November 4th, 1953 to Henry and Dorothy (Dionne) Violette. Nancy attended local schools, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1972. She went on to further her education graduating from the University of Maine system receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree. On December 26,1975, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard Steele, at St. Philip's Church in Auburn. They were happily married for over 36 years. Together they worked and raised their young family in the Turner area. Nancy was an entrepreneur who developed many popular and successful businesses. She was best known for "The Ivy Cottage" which was located in The Auburn Mall and on the Auburn road in Turner. She was a very talented florist, seamstress, knitter and gardener who always shared those gifts with various charitable organizations in the Twin Cities. She had an extensive social network of friends from all walks of life and was particularly close to her circle of friends affectionately known as "The Hen Party". She was a member of The Turner Natural History Club, past board of director member of Mechanics Savings Bank and dedicated member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, St. Philip's Church where she received great pleasure in working with her mother Dorothy on various Church Fairs and fund-raisers. Along with her work ethic, Nancy was known for her generosity and caring heart and she gave much time to the community. Most importantly, she cherished her time with her family, never missing a family event, especially her children's ski races. Recently, she loved playing with her granddaughter, Calee, in the garden and making her colorful tutus.Nancy is survived by her husband, Richard Steele of Turner, her two children: Zachary R. Steele and his partner Paige Rutherford of Wells, Emily H. Libby and her husband Travis of Turner, her mother Dorothy Violette of Auburn, one grandchild; Calee Anne Libby, two brothers: Thomas Violette and his wife Deborah, Kenneth Violette and his wife Cynthia, one sister: Eileen Pelletier and her husband Paul and cousins, nieces, nephews and Godmother to many.

She was predeceased by her father, Henry L. Violette and her daughter Amanda Rose Steele. You may share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Steele family by visiting their guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Visitation will be held on Sunday at The Fortin Group Funeral Home in Auburn, from 3 PM to 6 PM. Funeral Services will be Monday at St. Philip's Church on the Turner Road in Auburn at 11 AM followed by committal services at St. Peter's Cemetery in Lewiston. Those wishing may make donations in Nancy's memory to "Baby Alligator Tears" through the Colby Fund. Please send check to St. Mary's Development Office, c/o The Colby Fund, 272 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, ME 04210. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner Rd. Auburn, Me. 04210. 783-8545.