The beloved, gentle soul, Patricia Ann Steffee, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, April 20, 2018, at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio where she and her husband, orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Arthur D. Steffee, had served to heal so many people over the years. Patricia was a registered nurse who worked professionally together with her husband performing spine surgeries in Cleveland and in 35 countries around the world, before they chose to make their home in Foxburg, Pennsylvania.
Born on June 16, 1948 in Owosso, Michigan to Harold and Rose Marie Basel Bishop, Patricia was the second of twelve siblings and a second mother to all the children after the untimely, early passing of their mother. Throughout her life, Patricia continued her ministry to humanity, selflessly devoted to helping her immediate and extended family, her patients and anyone in need.
A concerned, loyal friend and wise counselor, Patricia will be greatly missed by all who experienced her patient, humble kindness and compassion. All who knew Patricia treasured that she welcomed everyone she encountered with an open, kind, loving heart and warm smile. A true lady, epitomized by quiet grace and elegance, Patricia was a peace-maker. A deep listener and encourager of others, she was never heard to say an unkind word about anyone… an inspiring role model for many. She loved all and was loved by all – including her beloved dogs, lambs, cows and alpacas.
Never claiming anything to her own credit or drawing attention to herself, Patricia shared her expertise graciously and modestly. Her exquisite artistic taste and tireless work together with her husband Arthur resurrected the original vision of the Fox family, restoring the RiverStone mansion, gardens and estate and developing the buildings and businesses in the village of Foxburg – including Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts’ Lincoln Hall, atop the Foxburg Free Library. Acting as historian, she and her husband collected memorabilia and documents of the rich history of the founding Fox family.
Patricia wore her abundance and material largesse with humility and grace. Her thoughtful generosity was a gift to many, for whom her and her husband’s boundless magnanimity was unprecedented. Over the years, she and her husband Arthur opened their home at RiverStone to benefit community organizations and Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts, for which Patricia was a founder and dedicated Board Member.
Patricia is survived by spouse Dr. Arthur D. Steffee, step-son David Steffee and wife Laura and grandchildren Sydney, Abigail and Dawson, sisters-in-law Susan Steffee and Erica Steffee, and siblings Margaret Tokich, Dennis (Sally) Bishop, Georgine (Steven) Moores, Brenda (Joseph) Piecenski, Matthew (Kathy) Bishop, Regina (Frank) Pomiecko, Marie Brzeski, Eileen Gorey (David Bartniski), Anne Castielle, Paulette (Joseph) Gubbini, Aunt Alice Biltz, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by parents Harold and Rose Marie Basel Bishop, brother Timothy Bishop, and brothers-in-law Robert Tokich and William P. Steffee.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home Inc., St. Petersburg. A private memorial service will be held and the date of a Celebration of Life at RiverStone estate will be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 215, Foxburg, PA 16036-0215. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.