Margaret Steele 1855-1913

STEELE, RYAN, LYDON, MCNEIL, MCDONALD, SLORAH, CLARK, FLEMING, CLUNE, HOGAN, HEHIR

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 11/1/2010 at 21:13:22

A Beloved Mother Hears the Final Summons
A life of devoted service was brought to a happy and peaceful close at three o'clock on Sunday morning, March 2, 1913, when Mrs. Margaret Steele, the beloved wife of Joseph Steele, passed away at her home after many months of illness, surrounded by her devoted husband and children.

Mrs. Steele was born at St. Augustine, Illinois, on July 15, 1855. Her father, Joseph Ryan, and mother were of Irish descent, immigrating to this country in 1840. When two years of age she came to Iowa with her parents, the family settling in postville, which has since been her home. In 1874 Margaret Ryan became Mrs. Joseph Steele. To this happy wedlock were born thirteen children - eight sons and five daughters - ten of whom are still living.

Mrs. Steele has ever been a devoted wife, a grand mother and a true friend. The bare mention of her name causes the eye to kindle and the heart to throb, of those who knew her. She commanded the esteem of the entire circle of her acquaintance. She was absorbed in the duties of a busy life, never forgetting the high privileges, high duties and high opportunities thrust upon her by virtue of her position. Her life was truly a grand life, full of sublimest courage, self-denial, faith and devotion. She exhibited that kindness, attention and love for children which only a devoted mother enjoys. Her efforts to make home comfortable and attractive and useful, by encouraging rational amusements and rational pleasures, were those of a true christian wife and mother. It is her kind face that swells in memory still and which the crowding memories of years cannot efface. Mrs. Steele was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church.

The funeral was held Tuesday morning, march 4th, from the family home to St. Bridget's church. The officers of Solemn Requiem Mass were Rev. J.J. Clune, celebrant; Rev. M.J. Hogan of Monona, deacon; and Rev. J. Hehir of Clermont, sub-deacon. Following an eloquent sermon by Father Clune the remains were conveyed to Clermont for interment in the Catholic cemetery. The pall bearers were - John Lydon, Dan McNeil Sr., Joseph McDonald, Chas. Slorah, W.J. Clark and B.C. Fleming. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful.

Card of Thanks
We hereby extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many neighbors and friends for their kindly acts and tender words of sympath during the illness and burial of our wife and mother.
Jos. Steele and Family

~Postville Review, March 4, 1913