Velma Steingart
Our Beloved Matriarch
Velma Stella Cole Steingart
August 3, 1930 – July 13, 2025
Velma Stella Cole Steingart passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at age 94. She was surrounded by family at the David Simpson Hospice House, Hospice of the Western Reserve, in Cleveland, Ohio. It was a beautiful end to a truly amazing life.
Velma was born on August 3, 1930, in North Bay, Ontario. She was raised in Kirkland Lake alongside her six brothers and sisters. As a young woman, Velma moved to St. Catharines, Ontario, where she worked as a bookkeeper at General Motors and played competitive softball. It was there, at age 18, that she met the love of her life, Frank Steingart Jr. After marrying, a coin toss determined whether they would start their new life together in Buffalo or Cleveland. Cleveland won. They settled in Painesville, Ohio, where they raised their five daughters and became members of the Painesville Church of the Brethren.
Velma and Frank’s relationship is the cornerstone of our family. They were true soulmates. When asked, “Which of your children is your favorite?” Velma, without hesitation, would reply, “My husband.” That unwavering bond set a powerful example of love that ripples through generations. Their partnership was full of laughter, competition, and deep companionship until Frank’s passing in 1991.
People were naturally drawn to Velma; she had a special gift for bringing others together. She drew people in with her energy, wit, and candor. She was always prepared with a quick and witty response. She befriended everyone, even during her final days.
A lifelong love of sports contributed to her competitive nature, which became a defining trait throughout her life. As an athlete, she golfed, bowled, curled, and played softball and hockey. Her skill in these sports led to years of coaching many youth leagues. You could also always count on Velma to have a game on TV, regardless of the season.
Nothing was more important to Velma than family. Her love was unconditional, and her door was always open. Whether you were a child, grandchild, neighbor, or four-legged visitor, you were greeted with snacks, stories, and a listening ear. She made time for everyone, and her home was a place of laughter. She and Frank fostered an environment with family at the forefront, which resulted in a multi-generational legacy with no end in sight.
Velma is survived by her daughters: Brenda (Mike) Dey, Barbara (Kevin) Deighan, Susan (Steven) Bissonnette, and Joanne (Derek) LaDuke; her son-in-law Bill Ward; her sister Gail Hemphill; and her grandchildren: Alissa (Mark) Miller, Erin (John) Siegel, Julie Dey, Jennifer (Robert) Hayden, Michael (Anna) Dey, Kyle (Jessica) Deighan, Evan (Elena) Deighan, Kali (Jon) Portz, Cole, Carter, and Caroline Bissonnette, and Hunter, Olivia, and Grant LaDuke. She also leaves behind 13 adored great-grandchildren and many dear nieces and nephews.
Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Steingart Jr.; her eldest daughter, Cheryl Lynn Ward; her parents Tom and Annie Cole; her brothers: Everett (Leatrice) Cole, Gerald Cole, and Garth Cole; her sisters: Dorothy (Clifford) Pennell and Amy (Bruce) Huston; and her brother-in-law Doug Hemphill.
Velma’s fierce love and strong spirit made others feel welcome and seen. She will be missed more than words can express, and her memory will live on in our family and the friendships she so deeply cherished.
We would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and hospice staff at Vista Springs Quail Highlands and David Simpson Hospice House, all of whom treated Velma attentively and lovingly.
Please join Velma’s family for an open-house celebration of life at Hellriegel’s Inn (1840 Mentor Ave, Painesville, OH 44077) on August 8 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Donate online: hospicewr.org/donate
Donate by mail: Hospice of the Western Reserve Development Team PO Box 72700 Cleveland, OH 44192