Patricia Margaret Steele

Patricia “Pat” Margaret Steele, 86, formerly of Brookville, PA, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025. Pat was born on May 9, 1938, to the late Harry W. and Clara Margaret (Anderson) Michael in Hazen, PA. She graduated from Brookville Area High School with the Class of 1956. Pat graduated from Clearfield Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1959. Pat married the love of her life, Harry Lee Steele, on July 25, 1959; Harry preceded her in passing on April 28, 2021. Pat worked for various doctor offices in Brookville as well as the Brookville Hospital and Jefferson Manor. Pat had a passion for local history and genealogy, and thoroughly enjoyed her work at the local historical society where she served on the board of directors and spent many hours assisting people who wanted to research their family tree. She was the author of several books on local genealogical history and cemeteries. The highlight of her final months was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jefferson County Historical Society. She also loved to paint, and produced many beautiful pieces that are cherished keepsakes in the homes of her children and grandchildren. In addition to painting, she also loved to knit and crochet and made baby clothing for local shops, special blankets for her grandchildren, and a Baptismal blanket for her great-granddaughter. She loved gardening and watching the wildlife around her back porch, especially the bunnies and squirrels. Some of her family’s fondest memories with her were from family game nights playing spirited rounds of Uno or MASH Trivia every Christmas. Although dementia prevented her from enjoying these things in her final years, we are grateful for the wonderful memories she has left us, and we are thankful she is no longer suffering. Pat is survived by two children: Michele Leeanne (Steele) O’Donnell and her husband Paul, and Kenneth Harry Steele and his wife Annette; two grandchildren: Meghan Erin (O’Donnell) Epperly and her husband, Josh, and Susan Marie (Steele) Votaw and her husband, Gregory. She is also survived by one great-granddaughter: Olivia Anne Epperly. In addition to her parents and husband, Pat is preceded in passing by one infant son: Michael Lee Steele. Family and friends will be received on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 11am to 1pm, at the McKinney – d’Argy Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Brookville, PA 15825. A funeral service will be held immediately following the viewing beginning at 1pm and officiated by Pastor Jimmy Swogger. Interment will take place at Temple Cemetery, Warsaw Twp., Jefferson Co., PA. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and other information may be found by visiting www.dargyfh.com