Vera Jeanette Steele
March 19, 1939 – May 4, 2026

Vera Jeanette Steele made her final journey home in the early hours of Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 87.

A devoted mother of four and beloved grandmother and great-grandmother to more than fifty descendants, Vera leaves behind a legacy built on love, hard work, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family.

She is now reunited with her parents, Ester and Merrill Stephens; her husband Richard Steele, her daughter, Nicole De Los Santos; and her grandchildren, Randy RaeLee Steele, Jared Steele, Joshua Steele, and Craig Tyner.

Vera is survived by her sons, Randy (Kelly) Steele and Jeff (Kathy) Steele; her daughter, Terry (Tucker) Bray; her sisters, Ila Valente and Geraldine (Lenny) Ross; and a growing family of grandchildren — both biological and those she lovingly claimed as her own — great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones throughout Northern California and beyond.

Throughout her life, Vera was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to serving others. She was a small business owner of Steele’s Grocery, an occasional farmhand, a custodian, a proud CSEA union member, a talented cake decorator, and an avid fisherwoman who spent many days fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Hoopa Valley.

Yet her greatest work was always her family.

“Gram’s” home was a place of comfort and welcome, with an open door for grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless young people in her community who needed a helping hand. From GG-Ma, we learned the value of hard work, how to clean a fish, and the simple joy of sneaking a taste of frosting from the fridge when she wasn’t looking. Most importantly, we learned what it means to show up — to show up for family without asking why, and to help those in need without questioning whether they deserve it.

It is difficult to imagine a world without her. Not because she was unprepared for her journey, nor because she had not lived a full and meaningful life. It is difficult because she was a constant — a steady presence, a gathering place for generations, and the keeper of so many family stories. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and we know the world shines a little less brightly without Gram in it.

A celebration of Vera’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Real Life Church of Orland, located at 1044 Trinity Street, Orland, California.

Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to join us for a barbecue dinner in her honor. Just as Gram’s home was always open, all are welcome to come celebrate her life and the love she shared with so many.

For questions, please contact Terry at (707) 502-9244.