Beth Shapiro Steele died peacefully at home on Monday, September 27 at age 64 after five years of declining health. She was born in a hurry, with barely time to arrive at the hospital, and within a year it became clear she had cerebral palsy. This movement disorder, profoundly affected her gross and fine minor skills such that she was never able to feed herself or walk unassisted, although she learned to ride a three wheel bicycle and had an active and independent play life as a young child. Later she learned to drive an adapted car. Because she always needed assistance with some of the activities of daily life, Beth formed an especially close bond with her mother which each of them treasured beyond measure.
Beth lived a full and eventful life. She was extremely intelligent and determined, and what she lacked in physical prowess she could often make up with in social skills. After attending Bergen County Cerebral Palsy Center and A. Harry Moore, schools for disabled children, she graduated from Tenafly High School, received her BA from Ramapo College where she was part of an new program for students with disabilities and an MSW from Columbia University. For ten years, she returned to Ramapo to work in the counseling department. During those years she spoke at conferences, wrote papers and was featured in a documentary called The Second Type which chronicled a trip with friends to Washington DC to attend a conference on Disability Rights.
From an early age, Beth made friends easily and enjoyed many adventures with them. These relationships were characterized as much by boisterous fun as by deep communication and mutual support and they often developed into lifelong bonds. Many of those who came into Beth’s life to provide supportive services were drawn in by her engaging, adventurous and compassionate nature and found themselves attached and committed in far more personal ways.
Beth’s greatest commitment in life was to her family. She met and married James Steele in 1986 and gave birth to their daughter Emily in 1990. Nothing brought her greater joy than being Emily’s mother. After Emily went to college, Beth took advantage of every opportunity to engage in life, making frequent trips to New York City to visit parks, museums, and attend lectures. She spoke with Jim throughout the day and always looked forward to visiting with him. As the years progressed Beth’s health declined gradually. She was cared for with great tenderness and affection by aides and nurses who helped when she could no longer move with any independence. Whenever possible she still wanted to get outside including visits to the lobby of her apartment building where she regularly engaged in conversations with anyone who passed by.
In addition to her husband Jim and daughter Emily Steele, Beth is survived by her mother Shirley Shapiro, her sisters Elaine Appellof and Diane Shamas, her aunt Leona Kern, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Harris Shapiro. Contributions in Beth’s memory can be made to the CTC Academy, 2901 Berkshire Road, Fairlawn NJ 07410.
A funeral service for Beth will be held Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Temple Emanu El of Closter, 180 Piermont Road, Closter, NJ 07624.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.guttermanandmusicant.com for the Steele family.
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