Carol (nee Whaley) Steffen

76, of Baldwin Twp., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a tough battle with Dementia at Arden Courts of Jefferson Hills. Born in Upper Saint Clair on December 5, 1944, to Richard and Betty (Auer) Whaley. Loving wife of Robert Steffen for 24 years and his children and grandchildren, Eric (Theresa), Ashley and Josh. Scott (Kim), Zoe. Caring mother to Brian (Lorri) Collett of Weirton, West Virginia and Bethann (Corey) Collett, of The Colony, Texas. Loving grandmother to, Matteo and Alec Collett of Denver, CO. Survived by her brother, Lee (Celeste) Whaley of Charleston, South Carolina, and a sister in-law, Carol Whaley of Conneaut Lake, PA, and many loving nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her brother and sister in-law Roy (Audainer) Whaley, of Conneaut Lake, PA and in 1974, by her first husband of 8 years, Richard Collett and their son Darin Collett.  

Carol grew up and spent many summers and weekends with friends and family at the cottage, built by her father at Canadohta Lake.  

Carol and her husband Bob were snowbirds and spent their winters in Bartow, Florida, (Floral Lakes). 

Carol enjoyed spending quality time at Brian & Lorri’s house, with her pride and joy grandson’s Matteo & Alec. She also enjoyed playing with their dog’s (Willow and Henni) when she forgot that she wasn’t a pet person.  

Carol was a strong athlete in many sports over the years. Softball, Volleyball & Bowling were Carol’s early ventures into sports, she spent several season’s coaching her daughter’s soccer and softball teams. Skiing became a favorite of her for many years, because it led to ski vacations with her friends and sport savvy Bob. 

She found a passion later in Golf where she had an easy swing that magically drove the ball long and straight every single time. She loved Top Golf, and even with Dementia always remembered that smooth swing. When driving balls with her daughter Bethann, she liked to pass along the sage advice of “Now try to hit the ball straight next time". (Thanks Mom) There was also line dancing and Horseshoes which earned her some coveted ribbons at the Polk County Senior Games. She was competitive and committed to whatever she was doing.   

Carol enjoyed gardening and sharing her plants and knowledge of them with many. If you are a neighbor of hers in Baldwin Twp. You have probably received a plant or two over the years that you were in charge of keeping alive until she got back from Florida. 

Singing was a joy that started at Upper Saint Clair High School and led her to join the South Hills Chorale in 1960 with her parents where she shared not only her beautiful soprano voice, but special friendships and comradery that lasted a lifetime. She was the only charter member with 60 years membership and served as a costume chairperson and board member for many years. 

Friends will be received from 1-6 pm. Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the Cieslak & Tatko Funeral home and Cremation Services; 2935 Brownsville Road, Pgh, PA 15227.

A Funeral service will be held at 6pm. following the visitation at the Funeral Home.

Interment will be held at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at a later date.

Cieslak & Tatko is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Steffen Funeral 
Time: Apr 24, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 912 1535 4239

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