Jeanette  Steelman

Obituary of Jeanette Marie Steelman

Jeanette Marie Steelman, 95, of Hilton Head Island, SC passed away on April 21, 2023, while supported by her family and caring staff at Friends of Caroline Cottage Hospice. She died peacefully following a ser of medical complications from a recent fall.

Jeanette was born on November 13, 1927, to Walter and Anna Wojciechowski in Gilman, MN. Early in her childhood, Jeanette recognized her calling to serve others as a Registered Nurse. She graduated from St. Gabriel School of Nursing in 1949 in Little Falls, MN. Under the guiding, instructional hands of the Benedictine Sisters, her foundational training would result in a 40-year career, specializing as an Operating Room Nurse in Orthopedics.

Night nurse duties at St. Gabriel’s meant so much more; she caught the eye of her eternal partner, John Britt Steelman, of Wilkesboro, NC. While serving at a nearby Air Force base, he suffered an inadvertent injury that brought him to St. Gabriel’s. Britt often reflected on how he watched Jeanette execute her duties at the dimly lit nurse’s desk through the cracked door to his hospital room. They were inseparable in wonder-filled matrimony before Britt’s earthy passing in 2003. They are now eternally reunited and dancing with God’s angels.

Jeanette’s joys in life were her passion to care for others health, her love of family and devotion to God. She was a guiding light and inspiration to all who came to know her, from a simple encounter to years of loving friendship. She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. They were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges. She will be so remembered as being sweet, kind and keenly able to get others to smile with her.

Leisurely, she loved all aspects of the golf game while developing a winning way competitively with several Island ladies traveling teams. Couples’ events were a mainstay during Britt and Jeanette’s decades long membership at Dolphin Head GC. Hosting friends with well-planned cuisine was a Jeanette hallmark. Skiing was often a component of the family’s winter travel.

Jeanette will be greatly missed by her sons Bryan and David and their families. She is survived by four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, brother; Richard Wojciechowski of Foley, MN, dear cousin; Roseann Tiemann of St. Louis Park, MN. and an extended family of nieces and nephews.

A Remembrance Mass & Ceremony will be held on May 16, 2023, beginning at 10am at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926.

The celebration of Jeanette’s life will continue over lunch at the St. Francis Family Center. May she rest in Perfect Peace.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to The Pregnancy Center of Hilton Head where Jeanette volunteered her nursing skills to help young families in their planning 1 Cardinal Rd #1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

Tuesday
16
May

Funeral Mass

10:00 am
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church
45 Beach City Road
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States

Luncheon

The celebration of Jeanette’s life will continue over lunch at the St. Francis Family Center.
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