Obituary of Winnie Steer
Peacefully at the Turnbull Home in Saint John, Winnie Steer passed away on April 26, 2025, shortly after her 95th birthday. She was born to parents Arthur and Doris Ball on March 25, 1930, in Wombwell, Yorkshire, England.
Despite growing up during the Depression and World War 2, Winnie had a happy childhood. By her early teens, Winnie thrived as a gifted student and an award-winning pianist. At piano lessons she was lucky to meet the love of her life, fellow student Roy. It wasn’t long before they were spending long days on their bicycle built for two. In her early twenties, she blossomed as a loving wife and mother. The young family loved the outdoors, picnicking, and camping. Then, in the sixties, the family embarked on a new adventure - emigration to Canada. Winnie embraced her new life. Outdoor activities now included ice skating, tobogganing, and picnics in the snow.
Homemaking took on a new meaning when Winnie sat down to design her dream home. Roy and Winnie cleared the lot and did three-quarters of the build. An extraordinary accomplishment! As their three daughters married and multiplied, this became the family’s haven for holiday celebrations and extended summer stays. The grandchildren made happy memories learning crafts, playing games, and baking with Nana. Everyone enjoyed Nana’s fabulous home-cooked delights.
As empty-nesters, Winnie and Roy spent more time sailing the St. John River system, square dancing as copresidents of the Hampton Hoedowners, and camping in their trailer on PEI. Winnie’s talents were put to good use making sails and dance costumes, publishing a cookbook, and painting a lovely mural for their home. With more time on her hands, she began to play the piano again.
Winnie struggled with serious health issues throughout her life, and it was only through the care of skilled health professionals (doctors, nurses, SJRH anti-coagulation clinic team) and her courageous optimism that she was able to live such an active and fulfilling life. When Roy’s health took a turn for the worse, they left the home they loved and moved into the Chateau de Champlain. Freed from the work of maintaining a home and garden, they whole-heartedly embraced new friendships with residents and staff. Their Halloween costumes were the stuff of legend. Moving to the Chateau proved to be a great decision as they increasingly relied on the wonderful caregiver support. After Roy’s passing in 2012, quiet Winnie kept busy with Chateau activities, even leading the exercise classes into her late eighties.
Towards the end of her life, Winnie and her sidekick stuffed bear “Pooh” were residents at The Turnbull Home where she made some wonderful friends. The family is more than grateful for the loving care she received from every single staff member there.
Winnie is survived by her three daughters (the 3Ps): Patricia Daley (David), Pamela Dobbin (Jim), and Paula McFarlane (Ross). She will be greatly missed by her nine cherished grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, her much-loved brother Geoffrey (Maureen), her dear sister-in-law Sylvia (Alan), and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Besides her parents and devoted husband Roy, she was predeceased by sisters Gladys (George) and Marjorie (Clem), and sister-in-law Enid (Gordon).
At the family’s request there will be no visitation. A family celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).
