ROSELINE GIDDENS STEELE - 1931-2008

Hello Everyone!

I make it a habit to keep my personal business personal but I wanted to pay homage to someone in my life who recently passed away. Her name was Roseline Giddens Steele, and she was my aunt.

Rose was born in Accomack County, Virginia, the only girl of 3 children. Her famliy moved to Oyster Bay New York at an early age. She attended Oyster Bay High School, where she eventually became the first Black president of the Leader's club, a big accomplishment back then.

While attending college she met and married an Air Force serviceman, Walter Steele. They were blessed with three daughters. After Walter died in 1968 Rose became a foster parent, where she nurtured numerous children who were deemed "problem" children. She was well known and loved in her Queens Village, NY neighborhood.

One thing you could say about Aunt Rose is that she never sugarcoated anything, and she would give you a good talking to if she felt you needed it. After she let you know how she felt she would say she loved you no matter what. Rose was also detail oriented ( a true Virgo) and would step in if something wasn't going right and take control of the situation.

Aunt Rose was the first person who taught me how to drive (although some probably wouldn't thank her for that...LOL!). She was also one of many who made it possible for me to finish school & get my college degree. I don't think she knows how much I am grateful to her for her caring, her conversations and her wisdom.

Roseline passed away on July 19, 2008. The week of her passing she sent both her daughters away, one to the hospital, the other out of state, so she sould make her transition peacefully. As someone jokingly said at her funeral, "that was Rose for you, always planning everything to the very end".

You will definitely be missed Roseline Giddens Steele, more than you know. I love you.