Beverly Ann Steele

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Beverly Ann Steele, a beloved teacher, cherished mother, and esteemed member of the Lancaster community. Beverly, born on March 29, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, departed this life peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 89. 

Beverly devoted her life to education, beginning her career as a head-start teacher in Toledo, OH before moving to Pennsylvania. She became a beloved second-grade teacher at Wharton Elementary School, a role she embraced with passion and dedication until her retirement in 1998. Her impact on the lives of her students extended far beyond the classroom, as she also taught Cuban refugees at Indiantown Gap, maintaining lifelong connections with those she worked with. 

A proud alumna of Scott High School, Beverly continued her educational journey at the University of Toledo and Millersville University, where she earned her Master’s Equivalent Degree in teaching. She was actively involved in her alma mater's community, contributing to the organization of numerous Scott High School reunions, including the momentous 70th reunion. 

In addition to her career, Beverly passionately engaged with her community through various organizations, including the Welcome Wagon and Coterie for over 50 years, the Red Hatters Group, and a local antiquing group. In her leisure, she regularly attended live shows on Broadway, Hershey Theater and Fulton Theater.

Beverly cherished her time at the beach, deriving tranquility from beachcombing and collecting shells. She was also an avid traveler, frequently escaping to Florida for the winter months and reveling in exploration with friends and family. Notably, she was a courageous 25-year survivor of tonsil cancer, a testament to her resilience and strength. 

Beverly is survived by her devoted daughters, Denise Zaiac and Donna Chillas, wife of Carl, and Jean Marie Pallas, her brothers John Brock (Barbara), F. James Brock (Joyce), a sister in law, Susan (Steele) Woolford, a brother in law, Robert Wilson (Barbara), and her cousin, Susan (Brown) Aston, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 6 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in passing by her loving husband of 39 years, James M. Steele, her parents Vivian M. (Wells) Brock and William D. Richardson (Lucille), a sister-in-law, Barbara J. (Steele, Ansted) Wilson, and brothers in law, William Ansted and David Woolford, as well as a niece and a grandchild. 

Funeral services will be held on February 27, 2026, at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. - Lititz Pike. Public viewing will commence at 10:00 am. The formal funeral service will take place at 12:00 pm. Please omit flowers and consider memorial contributions to Toledo Zoo, toledozoo.org/support, Hope Lodge, Baltimore MD, 636 W. Lexington St. Baltimore, MD 21201, or Ronald McDonald House, ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.

Beverly Ann Steele will be remembered not only for her profound influence in education but also for her unwavering spirit, compassion, and dedication to family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.