Mary Steffens Obituary

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Mary left me with a hug and kiss the last time I saw her...She was a wonderful mother, and wife and friend whom I treasured very much. She will be in my heart and prayers forever as she set an example for others who have faced a serious illness...Blessings to her family and my deepest sympathy to them all.sending prayers for her family.....God Bless her...Bye for now Mary....

I just sadly learned that our community has lost one of it's brightest lights! Mary's strength, spirit and love for others even throughout her illness was amazing. She was an inspiration to all who met her and I will always be grateful for her kind support when my husband faced his own battle with cancer. My prayers are with the whole Steffens family.

Dear Steffens Family,
Please accept my most deep & sincere condolences in the death of Mary. I was very blessed and honored to know her. I know that I am a much better person due to Mary’s friendship with me. May the Lord watch over each of you and guide you during this very difficult time. I am very sorry. ~ Peace ~ Very Sincerely, Lance Oakland

Mary lived life to help others and I am so lucky to have met her. Mary was able to be happy and separate her illness from everyday life with such simplicity, she placed her focus on others and not her illness. She was strong, loving and most of all compassionate. Thank you for letting CNS support Mary and your family. I will keep Mary in my heart always and I hope to treat others as she did with love and compassion.

I'm so sorry that I can't be with you the next few days to remember Mary's life and so pleased that Mark is able to join you at this time. During the visits that we had with you all in Chicago I was struck by Mary's joy, pragmatic approach to her health, and certainty that good things were to come. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to know her and learned much from her during her time with us. We will miss her and remember her always.

Mary was such a kind and caring person, someone who will truely be missed. She will be in our hearts and prayers.

Mary and I were volunteers at St. Charles Borromeo for many years. Mary's faith and unconditional love was an inspiration to all. When Mary smiled, your heart was instantly filled with the Holy Spirit and you knew she was a "living angel" sent by God.

Mary was a inspiration to all.
She was the kindest person I ever met. She will be missed by everyone.

Our friendship with Mary has truly enriched our lives. Her sincere kindness, courage and strength has always amazed us. Mary was truly a remarkable person. We will miss her and she will always be in our heart. God bless Rick and the girls.

I knew there was something special about Mrs. Steffens from the moment I met her. She was the coolest Mom at Elmhurst Childrens Theatre, dedicating her precious time to making sure every hair was in place and our makeup beautiful before we stepped a foot on that stage. Infact, I think of her everytime I smell Herbal Essence hairspray! I was one of the fortunate who was also able to work along side her on the Elmhurst Relay for Life committee. She gave us inspiration, insight and wisdom- I don't think she ever missed a meeting. When my Grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, Mary gave me a magnet with a poem entitled, "What Cancer Cannot Do" on it. It was a precious gift.

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited...

It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.

Mary Steffens was an inspiration to myself, my family and the entire community. She had a charismatic attitude, radiant hope and a contagious smile. I know my Grandmother welcomed her at the gates of heaven, and she is now resting in peace. My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Steffens family, may you know her life touched many and her legacy will live on forever. She is the heart of Relay.

I met Mary as the home Palliative Care APN with CNS Home Health and Hospice. From the moment I met her we connected and we both so enjoyed our visits. I remember moments of laughter,love, honesty and sadness. She so loved life and her family Rick, and the three K girls. She also shared with me many wonderful stories of the enormous groups of friends she had made throughout her life. She gave to me more than I think I did for her while helping to coordinate her home medical care. I remember her setting the timer on our visits so I would not run late and could meet the needs of other patients on that day. As our relationship grew, the timer went away as we so enjoyed the home visits. Mary has left an eternal imprint on my heart and I am a better person and nurse for having met her.
To her family and many friends may your memories of her smile and endearing stories give you comfort as we all take time to heal from our loss. Mary I will miss you and I know you are organizing a Relay for Life in Heaven!!

Mary was an inspiration to us all. She was the most caring person I have ever met. She will be so missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with the Steffens family.

I will always be thankful for Mary being there for me during my time of loss and will always think of her when I look at my guardian angel.
She will always be in your hearts and I hope somehow that can comfort you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I just learned of Mary's pasage into Heaven. I met Mary when I was transferred to the DuPage office of the American Cancer Society. She became one of my heroines. Her battle against cancer was waged with true valor and an unfailing sense of humor. Her husband and daughters were with her every step of the way and, realizing that everyone did not have that support system, Mary reached out to those who needed someone in their corner. The Elmhurst Relay for Life was one of her passions and it simply will not be the same without her. Rick and the three Ks, you have my sympathy on your loss but I know that Mary prepared you by giving you such a storehouse of loving memories.

Mary will be missed by all that was touched by her.
She has left us with a smile that will never die.
Mary would always give you that big smile, No matter how much pain she may be in. You would never know it.
God had a plan for her when he gave her to use. He knew that she would carry his word forward for him.
Mary I will miss you as a friend and a committee member.
Take that rest that you so need.
Now is your time to rest in the arms of our Lord.

Mary inspired me...her courage, grace and dignity were her trade mark. Although I only saw Mary a couple of times a year she occupies a place in my heart.

Mary was such a light to all of us and its hard to imagine this earth without her. When I see the brightest star above I will know who it is!
With our love and prayers,

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

I am sorry to hear about her passing away. Mary was a great aunt to my sons Scott/ Sean. God bless her soul. I always enjoy meeting her.

I met Mary only one time through a mutual friend. That was all I needed to see what type of a person she was. Finally at rest and in God's hands. Prayers to her husband and family.

So sorry for your loss. Mary was a great friend to my brother Brent Smith during his years here on earth and I will always remember that ,, My prayers are with you