Grace C. Steffen

Grace C. Steffen (nee Yeske), 100, of Elyria, died Friday, March 14, 2025 at Hopkins Rehabilitation and Care Center in Middleburg Heights. She was born on December 6, 1924 in Cleveland. Grace's love for the piano began at an early age. She was a 1943 graduate of John Hay High School and attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. Grace earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music in 1980. She enjoyed being involved in church music by being in and directing church choirs, and playing the organ.

For more than 20 years she taught over 100 students from her Steffen Piano Studio home in Rocky River and later in Strongsville. Over those years there were more than 85 recitals (in her studio and other locations), including over 370 duets with her students. 

She also played piano in the pit at Karamu House in Cleveland for various productions in the 1950's. This is where she met her husband-to-be, Edward. 

Grace was a member of the Cleveland Lutheran a Capella Choir with her daughter. She was chapter president of W.E.L.C.A. at Bethel Lutheran Church, Middleburg Heights, played piano at the chapel services at Wesleyan Village, Elyria, and was in the hand bell choir.

Grace is survived by sons Mark Edward (Joan) Steffen of Washburn, TN and Craig Edward (Jacci) Steffen of North Fort Myers, FL; daughter Barbara Jane Steffen of Middleburg Heights and grandchildren, Angela (Tony) Mowery of Washburn, TN and Amelia Steffen of North Fort Myers, FL.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Edward C. in 2012; a sister, Janet Kato in 2022, and her parents, Edward and Meta Yeske.

Friends will be received Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10:30 am until the time of an 11:00 am memorial service in Cascade Hall at Wesleyan Village, 807 West Avenue, Elyria.  Reverend Kurt D. Walker will officiate.  Private inurnment will be in Hope Memorial Gardens, Hinckley, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cypress Hospice, 2 Commons #1, Berea, OH 44017.

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