Rosemarie Steff

Rosemarie Steff, 93, of Albany, peacefully passed away on October 16, 2023 at home.

She was born in Albany to John Keil and Anna Meister Keil.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, William, sister Caroline Audino (Michael), twin brother John Keil (Mary Ann) and brother Joseph Keil (Margaret). She is survived by her nephews Michael Audino (Patricia), Joseph Keil (Kathleen), and James Keil. She is also survived by great-nephews Jamie and Nicholas, great-niece Katherine, and great-grand-niece Isabella.

Rosemarie, a daughter of German immigrants, grew up in Albany, attending Our Lady of Angels School and Vincentian Institute. She made many, many friends along the way and was always a very happy, upbeat person. She met her husband, William, while working at the Rose & Keirnan Insurance Company in the 1950s. She and William always enjoyed their times out and about with friends and family celebrating special occasions and events. Lake George was a favorite destination. They wed in 1958, moving to the Village of Colonie in 1959, where they lived until William's untimely death in 1985. Rosemarie remained in the house until her death.

In her thirty-eight years as a widow, Rosemarie displayed a tremendous inner strength that quite possibly surprised a lot of people. She was tougher than she may have appeared. Once widowed, Rosemarie returned to work at numerous locations, including Hickory Farms, Syracuse China, and finally, Sears, where she worked until the age of 85. Had it not been for a fall and the subsequent hip surgery, she would have continued to work. Rosemarie didn't drive, but instead developed a close relationship with the local taxi company whose drivers got to know her very well and became, in her words, her "personal chauffeurs". She made friends with everyone she met including her many co-workers and acquaintances including but not limited to good friends, Karen Chatman and Dolores Kurtzner.

Rosemarie (affectionately known to us as "Aunt Rose" or "Aunt Rosie") loved her family, which included the families of her sister-in-law Margaret Keil (Prindle) and brother-in-law Michael Audino. Many gatherings included the Steffs, Prindles, and Audinos, which formed the basis for many lifelong friendships. Rosemarie took very seriously her status as godmother to her nephews James and Michael. She enjoyed calling nephew James on the phone each evening during the last seven years of her life during which he shared with her his passion for baseball. She became quite the fan, watching multiple games every day during the season and "classic games" throughout the winter. She especially loved the New York Mets.

Her sister Caroline and brother-in-law Michael, along with her brother Joseph and sister-in-law Margaret, became driving forces in Rosemarie's life after the loss of her husband, William, providing much help and motivation with her day-to-day affairs, medical appointments, as well as taking her to vacation destinations and special events. Upon their deaths, nephew Michael and wife, Patti, continued this support including many rides in the country and numerous other family activities along with support with her personal affairs. Aunt Rose was a fixture at Joe and Margie's house most Sundays and for all the major holidays for twenty years after Uncle Bill's passing, and then in later years enjoyed the family and holiday events at Mike and Patti's home and was "adopted" by the many family members and friends of both Patti and Michael. Everyone that met Aunt Rosie had an immediate affinity towards this loving and lovely lady. For a person who rarely exceeded 110 pounds, she always enjoyed the "Lumberjack Special" at the Blue Ribbon Diner …… and ate every bit.

It cannot be overstated that Aunt Rosie's neighbors were of the utmost importance to her and were close to her heart until the very end. Having lived in the same neighborhood since 1959, she developed numerous life-long friendships including but not limited to Marsha and James Rehbit, Jerry Tabone, Mary Jane and Steve Fliegel, Pat and Jack Moore, John and Danielle Burnett, Ellie O'Connell, and Debbie Reese. We have no doubt that there were many more that we are unaware of or who have left us long ago. To all, a profound "thank you". Aunt Rosie's neighbors and friends were a critical part of her life and integral with her care during the last years of her life. Words cannot express the tremendous gratitude that the family has towards her neighbors.

Aunt Rosie was a well-loved member of the Latham Eddy Senior Care community. The doctors, nurses, therapists, aides, and staff provided superior care to her for which the family is eternally grateful. Among the many, many caregivers of Aunt Rosie, we want to offer a special thank you to Dr. Herman, Karyn Lange, Judy Dixon, Mike Di Nuzzo, and Kate MacDonald. A very special thank you to Josie Davis, Aunt Rosie's aide, whose care and friendship was integral during the last year and a half of her life. Rosemarie's gentle, cooperative, and upbeat personality made her a favorite among the Eddy caregivers who visited her each week. They all loved Aunt Rosie and loved to chat with her during their many visits. Again, thank you to all of The Eddy staff.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 23rd, from 10am-11am with a Mass to follow at 11am at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville, New York. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the "The Eddy Foundation for Eddy SenioreCare-Latham" and sent to Eddy SeniorCare, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110, or to the "Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society" at 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204.

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