Dr. Steele - my high school science teacher and single most influential educator in my life. 

Her lessons made me interested in the world around me, admittedly proud I knew how some of it worked, and so so eager to learn more.

The years spent in her class room not only taught me physics and biology, but more importantly a passion for learning, diligence, and discipline. 

She planted a seed of curiosity that still grows, a true biologist.

P.S. I kept all my notes as she suggested and used them for college biology exams. 

Rest easy. 

I was blessed to have Dr. Steele has my biology teacher during my years at Pius X and also my softball coach! Truly an amazing woman! 

I will miss my friend of over 50 years. I met Kathy when we were students at Caldwell College and we have maintained contact for most of that time. We always put our heads together in planning our annual summer get together and it had to be science oriented. We always had a great time! I will miss her kps monthly news, updating each of us who were lucky to get it about her busy life. Her friendship meant the world to me and even though her voice is silenced her actions and words will resonate with each of us for the rest of our lives.  Goodbye for now my friend.



Aunt Kathy, when I think of you, so many wonderful memories come to mind. I’ll never forget the times we performed our band concerts for the family. You were always so patient with me, allowing me to push my way through a new piece, then playing the duet on the trumpet or flute after I got comfortable. I always looked forward to the times where you asked me to try playing the flute and trumpet myself, walking me through the basics and encouraging me every step along the way. When I think of you, I think of when you sent me your personal collection of biology textbooks in my first year of undergrad when I was worried about the content, helping me to see things from a new perspective. When I think of you, I’m reminded of the times we played catch at grandpa’s house, just chatting and sharing stories along the way, something we could probably do all day. The endless stories you’d share from your life and the hearts you have touched over the years will stay with me forever. When I think of you, I think of the KPS News letters you would send me each month updating me on what you’ve been up to, with there never being a dull day, week, or month. 

I’ll always remember the kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and loving aunt you were to me. I love you so much and will truly miss you forever.

Love,
TJ

An aunt to most people is the sister of a parent, but in the family I was raised in, an aunt is a bonus mom. Someone you look up to and you always know will be proud of every little accomplishment in your life. While I was blessed with many aunts, Aunt Kathy holds a special place in my heart. Since I was little I’ve heard stories from family of the impact she made in her classroom as a teacher. Her students loved her, were inspired by her, and every student who stepped foot in her room was impacted by her knowledge and love. As a new teacher, I often think of my Aunt Kathy and the impact she left on students. I strive to be even half the teacher she was to her students and will forever think of her as I stand in front of my students. I hope to be the teacher Aunt Kathy was to her students to every student that walks into my classroom.
Aunt Kathy, you were my flute buddy in elementary school and were always down for a game of Yahtzee. You knew how special moments with loved ones were and always managed to capture the perfect candid moments of family on your camera. You were the aunt that was full of stories. Anyone that knew you knows that you held memories close to you and loved reliving them through your stories.  I’ll live every moment here on out with the expectation that one day, it’ll make a great story for someone. I love you so much, Aunt Kathy. 

Doctor Steele, even though we were colleagues, I could never just call you by your first name, but always said
DO CTOR in respect for your accomplishments and teaching.  No one ever prepared students for their future than you. And just for you, I hope the Detroit Tigers take it all this year 
Senor Ruggiero

My dear oldest sister, Kathy.  This was so hard to write.  Another sister lost to cancer.  I felt so cheated.  But then I sat back and thought, No, I've been blessed.  You were a great sister, so caring, always there to help.  You got me through Chemistry so I could enter Nursing School.  And who could forget all the board and card games we played. I remember playing categories with you, mom, dad and Therese.  I would pick "colors or vegetables" as a category and as Therese reminded me, you would pick "Capitals of foreign countries"!  But as I think back, they were special times spent together.
I have learned through this sad time how much you have touched so many lives.  Teachers, students, friends from high school, college and grad school, not to forget the many friends you made while doing all the volunteering, such as the Wildlands where you had trees and bushes planted in memory of Mom, Debbie and Janice.  And lets not forget your many fellow Orchestra friends.  The one thing you told me you wanted to do when you first got diagnosed, was to get strong enough so you could play your trumpet with the Orchestra, again.  Well, Kathy, your spirit will live on through every note played by a student at your former high school Immaculate Heart Academy.  Your wish was to donate all 5 instruments you played to the music department at IHA.  They feel blessed and will cherish your generous  donation.  I don't know how to end this, other than to say I LOVE you and will MISS the frequent evening phone calls "just checking in to see how everyone is in Delaware."  Rest your loving soul,  Love your sister Meg, your nephew and niece, T.J. and Brenna.


I was so very sorry to read of Kathleen’s passing. She was a regular concert goer, and I remember seeing her not only at Camerata Singers concerts, but also at Pennsylvania Sinfonia and Allentown Symphony Orchestra concerts

She will be greatly missed.

I  am so sorry to hear this news! Dr. Steele was a gem for our little school on the hill…Pius X HS!  My 3 daughters learned so much as her students .  My oldest daughter receiving  her PHD in cancer research who valued Dr. Steele’s knowledge immensely.  Sending my thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.  May she rest in paradise 🤍

Love the family of….Doreen Smith, Jenessa Smith, Jayana and Scott Douglas, and Jaclyn Smith.  

What can I say about my big sister, my Godmother, and a guiding light through my childhood.  When I was a small child, Kathy always found time to give me a bike ride (in the front basket of her bike!), throw a baseball around, and even tackle football ! And then there were the endless hours she spent reading to me...from fairy tales and then classic literature & poetry, and playing board games until late at night. (Amazing she still had time for her own studies!)  Everything I did with my big sister was both fun and educational at the same time.  I guess I was one of her first students !  She was amazing at surveying the sky  and identifying stars, constellations and planets.  I will now always think of her when I look up there now...rest in peace, my dear, sweet sister. 

Kathy, we have so many memories that I hold close to my heart.  So many things we shared, hiking at Hawk Mountain and the Glen in Woodcliff Lake NJ.  I am so proud of all of your accomplishments and how you touch the lives of so many people especially your students.  I'll never forget the night you received the Grand Master Award at the Da Vinci Science Center, so glad that I was apart of it.  You have touched the lives of so many, you are an angel.  I know my angel will be with me always and forever.  Love you so much! Hugs and kisses to my Big Sister.  Love always your Little Sister  Therese     

Dr. Steele was one of the most incredible teachers. Reflecting back on her classes, it is unheard of that someone could teach biology, chemistry, and physics, and be an expert in all of them. She cared deeply for students and prepared us for college and beyond. I still remember her humor with her Detroit Tigers baseball cap that had the chemistry quizzes in them. Her selflessness at Pius X was the heart of the school and its education, any student in her class was lucky. Sending my deepest condolences to the family, Dr. Steele was one of a kind who left her mark on her students for a lifetime. 

To Dr. Steele's family, 
My son had her as a teacher in  high school at Pius and she was wonderful.
She encouraged him to continue his studies in biology and he now works for Merck.,an amazing impact on her students.
May you all find comfort and peace in your loving memories.

Bless you all,
Joanne Merolla

Dr. Steele’s classes were probably where I first discovered I wanted to become a scientist. She’d give me a hard time about wearing my hat backwards and just generally being a teenager (which I understand now that I have a few of my own), but through her classes and scholastic scrimmage, she made learning more enjoyable than I was used to. She told me I could go far if I ever actually applied myself, which I eventually did years later. I hope she would have gotten a kick out of knowing that I became a Physics professor at what I just learned is her alma mater, WVU. 

Dr Steele was an amazing teacher who truly cared about the students. She could have had a much larger salary and would gave been in high demand elsewhere with her degree from Princeton, yet she chose to stay at Pius X.  Best wishes for the family.

Mike Berdela
Class of 03'

Dr. Steele was a huge force in the classroom and was the main influence for both of us becoming scientists. She will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to the family.

I am going to miss her yearly emails to ask how I am doing and how the kids are doing. She would share an update on what great things she was doing. She loved music and she left a great impression and many people. 

Dr, Steele wasn’t high school science teacher at Pius X in 1987/1988 and was just a wonderful person who cared about her students.  I didn’t love science but she made it fun and tutored me through it.  My deepest condolences to your family.
-Alyssa Lopiano-Reilly, Esq.


So very sorry to hear this news.
Such an incredible women and professor/ teacher. May the Angels sing you home Dr Steele

OBITUARY

Kathleen P. Steele

September 18, 1950 – June 9, 2023

Becker Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services