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Margaret Steele Obituary

Margaret Steele
of Binghamton
Margaret "Maggie" (McKenzie) Steele of Binghamton went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, October 24, 2007. She was 61. Maggie was predeceased by her beloved father, Bill McKenzie (October 26, 1974), her grandmothers Eva MacKenzie and Mary Fittipaldi, her great aunt Rose Moore, her maternal aunt Eileen Porowski and her paternal uncle Andy MacKenzie. She is survived by her one child, J. Mackenzie Steele, Binghamton; her loving mother Anna McKenzie, Endicott; her big sister Dory McKenzie Wilson and husband Jack, Rochester; her little sisters, Mary-Anne Welch and husband Jim, Greensboro, NC; Kathy McKenzie and daughter Natalie, Binghamton; Nancy Oliveri and husband Jeff, Chenango Bridge; and Therese Bohn and husband Greg, Endwell. She is also survived by her twin brother Mike McKenzie and younger brother John McKenzie, both of Endicott. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins, her lifelong friends Kathy O'Brien and Mike Malloy, and the care community at the Greater Binghamton Health Center. Maggie was an Artist of remarkable talent and vision. Her colorful paintings and exquisite ink renderings grace the walls of many homes in the Northeast, and have hung in local venues, including a painting permanently installed at St. John's Ukrainian in Binghamton. Most of her art depicted the focus of her life-her Redeemer Jesus Christ, His mother Mary, and His earthly father St. Joseph. In recent years all carried the words "Jesus, Humanity, Savior." Maggie was a mystic, committed to Christ on a very personal level. She had a life of suffering, but also a life of joy. Her compassion and love, laughter and humor, strength and generosity, will be greatly missed. An exhibition of her work is planned for some time in 2009.
The family will receive friends for one hour early Monday, October 29, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main St. in Endicott, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose Church, Washington Avenue. Interment will follow immediately at Vestal Hills Memorial Park. As an alternative to flowers, contributions to her daughter's college fund will be gratefully accepted. Please send checks to J. Mackenzie Steele's aunt and godmother, Nancy Oliveri, 16 Whitcomb Drive, Binghamton, NY 13901, memo "JMS College Fund."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin from Oct. 27 to Oct. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Steele

20 Entries

James Steele

March 16, 2008

Season: Spring (Palm Sunday)

I was married to Margaret for many years and we became very close and knowledgeable of each other. My desire is to speak for her, and share with you some of her accomplishments. I have chosen to write to you, on this special day, Sunday march 16, 2008, because today is Palm Sunday. This is also the start of Easter week, and in a few days comes the first day of spring! I believe Margaret would be happy that I am announcing for her, the sacredness of this time to you.

Margaret was a devout Roman Catholic. She had a most joyous and profound love for Jesus Christ. She practiced her religious faith in words as well as deeds. She was, without a doubt, a most excellent portrait artist. Much of her work is reminiscent of Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo and Raphael. Like Michelangelo, the sculptor, who's paintings showed such three dimensional detail, Margaret's art also revealed this detail. I remember Margaret telling me how much she admired Michelangelo's Sistine chapel paintings as well as his sculpture of the Pieta. Her main subject of creative work, was usually Jesus, and often the Virgin Mary.

Palm Sunday is a special day for Christians. It was nearly 2000 years ago that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled ancient prophesy, when He made His triumphant entry, like a king, into Jerusalem seated on a donkey. Many were the inhabitants of Jerusalem that welcomed Him, proclaiming Him their king and their expected Messiah, while singing Hosanna. They didn't have a long red carpet to roll out before Him, but they did welcome him with a carpet of green palm leaves. Jesus went straight to the temple of Solomon and fulfilled prophesy by cleansing the temple. He drove the money changers out of the temple, telling them how they had turned His Father's house of prayer into a den of thieves! He was approached by distraught temple officials, and priests, who asked Him if He also had intentions of destroying the temple. Jesus answered them with a prophesy saying "If you destroy this temple, I will raise it up again in 3 days". They did not understand, that He was referring to the temple of His body, not Solomon's temple of stone.

Nancy Oliveri

January 29, 2008

On behalf of the entire McKenzie family, I'd like to thank "anonymous" for the generous gift of maintaining this page until November. Thank you for helping to keep Maggie's legacy alive. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Maggie's little sister,

James Steele

January 8, 2008

Margaret's death was quite sudden, no one expected this to happen; there were no signs or warnings. I remember seeing Margaret a few days before she passed away. It was just by chance that I saw her walking down Main St. At first I didn't recognize her, perhaps it was her appearance, her hair was different, much shorter than I remembered her having. Perhaps it was the way she walked, assisted with a cane. I drove right by her, thinking to myself... that looks like Maggie; yes, that is Maggie; I circled the block, and drove up next to her. I honked the horn, and asked her if she wanted a ride home. She said she only had about a half of a block walk to her apartment. I told her I didn't have time for a long visit, but if she got in, we could have a short visit, while I drove her around the block. She told me she was moving to another apartment, that week on Saturday; I told her I would be willing to help her with the moving, and to give me a call when she was ready. We talked about family and friends. I told her about how I saw her long time friend Donna Bolson, a few days ago; she worked the night shift at the Red Apple in Apalachin. We talked about her health, and how she was feeling, how she suffered. Before I dropped her off at her apartment, I reminded her about the next world, how in heaven we will be greeted by Jesus. We will trade in our old worn out bodies for glorified bodies, more beautiful than the original, but free of pain, suffering and other earthly limitations that restrict our communion with God and all things most glorious. I believe she found comfort in our words spoken and all that was implied. As I reflect back at this last meeting of ours I can't help but wonder if this was all just a meeting by chance, or was it providence allowing us to meet for a final good bye?

“When Earth's Last Picture Is Painted”
Rudyard Kipling

When Earth's last picture is painted and the tubes are twisted and dried,
When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died,
We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it -- lie down for an aeon or two,
Till the Master of All Good Workmen shall put us to work anew.
And those that were good shall be happy; they shall sit in a golden chair;
They shall splash at a ten-league canvas with brushes of comets' hair.
They shall find real saints to draw from -- Magdalene, Peter, and Paul;
They shall work for an age at a sitting and never be tired at all!

And only The Master shall praise us, and only The Master shall blame;
And no one shall work for money, and no one shall work for fame,
But each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star,
Shall draw the Thing as he sees It for the God of Things as They are!

Karen Knapp (Curyto)

November 19, 2007

Having just found out about your loss while attending the memorial at St. Ambrose Church. I am so very sorry..............I can honestly say I know you are all feeling. I have read all your feelings to Maggie in the guestbook and wish I could have had as part of my life, but I know she will be someday and I lookforward to meeting her.
To Nancy and Kathy - so nice to see you both again thru all these years.............I have many fond memories of you and I Nancy (even though you don't remember me LOL) A lot of St. Ambrose memories, where do the years go.

I pray God gives you peace and comfort as has thru my many great loses.

It is life............God Bless you all!!

Love Karen

Barbara Ryczak

November 10, 2007

I was stunned to hear of the passing of Maggie. She was to young to leave this earth so soon. I know her life had many disapointments, but she took it all in stride like it was meant to be. She was a beautiful person. Her art will be a lasting legacy. Such remarkable talent. I remember her saying "any one can draw" She made it look so effortless. I am glad she had that pleasure in her life. I will always remember her fondly. Sing with the Angels Maggie and with your mother-law, Lena Steele who passed a few years ago and also loved to sing. You are loved.
Barbara Steele Ryczak
Sister-in-law

MaryPat Hyland

October 31, 2007

To the whole McKenzie clan:
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear Margaret. I was away and read Therese's e-mail late Monday night. I was stunned.
I remember being so inspired by the beauty of her artwork when I was a kid and always considered her to be an artist's artist. The quality of line in her pen and ink drawings was on par with that of Da Vinci's.
I look forward to the art exhibit/celebration of her life.
Thoughts and prayers to all of you at this sad time.

Bliss! The Free Spirit! Maggie running through Aunt Louise's Grape arbor in the late '60's.

Therese Bohn

October 30, 2007

My darling big sister, Today you are with not only Our Heavenly Father, but with our Darling Dad whom we've missed for 33 years now. I know he is happy to have his sweet little Maggie back in his arms. I imagine you're singing with George Harrison and John Lennon, and definitely making Jesus a top notch pen and ink of himself. You drew The Lord with such tenderness and love all though your life. We have a mountain your incredible sketches in notebooks, and your vivid paintings are forever a lasting testament to your visions of beauty and faith. You were so prolific and precise. Even today, when friends look at your pictures, they recognize their friends and family instantly! We are planning an exhibit of your work sometime in 2009, and the world will see what a blessed gift you were to all of us. I will terrible miss your loving hugs and your magnificent memory. You were truly an child of God, you gave his love to everyone, and we will never forget your love. I am still trying to accept your passing, but making the collages for your wake and hearing all my families tribute gave me strength. Didn't Kathy sing beautifully? Didn't Dory speak of your life so touchingly and real? I know you heard us up there. I just wish I could hug you one more time. I love you, Meg. You are forever in my heart, and the inspiration in my own creations.Sleep well my beautiful sister, and someday we'll be together again.

Gena Pagano

October 28, 2007

I am so sorry for the loss of this lovely lady. May you all find peace knowing she is in heaven with God. God Bless your family.

Natalie McKenzie DeBoer

October 28, 2007

I don't know how my dear aunt was when family wasn't around, but she was always overjoyed to see her family. She didn't get to see them a lot, but when she did she always made sure to say "How are my loves doing?" I never thought about how good it makes a person feel to be loved that much. I never thought about it until after my Aunt Maggie passed. And I loved her very much, too.

Marilyn & Chuck Mercer

October 28, 2007

My prayers go up to God for all of you in this most difficult time. What a comfort her strong faith in Christ must be. She is with the angels!

Heather Mckenzie

October 28, 2007

Today I lost an aunt, a woman who called me her "little angel". Today I realized that I have not been an angel to her in twenty one years. I have been a memory to her, and those memories I hope she will keep with her in heaven. She was the one who let me climb on her lap as I drew pictures of cats and dogs...she never thought they were a bad rendition. She held my hands and showed me strokes with a brush and a pen and a pencil. She showed me the curves in a fcae you would take for granted, and helped me make them be as noticeable on paper as they were in real life. She had an eye for the spiritual things we could not see and yet when she drew them it was like they were there before you like a photograph. She was a classical Artist, her best flowed out naturally. Like a natural born opera singer she was the equivalent as an artist. Her pictures sing to you words that you thought of but could never hear on your own. When I see the pictures she has drawn over the years I can only hear sweet music whispering in my ears. She has taught me to listen more carefully when I see, and see more clearly when I can not hear. My dear Maggie, you are free to be an artist in God's kingdom now. You are home, your are embraced and you are loved... and you will be missed...save me a seat on your lap... I'll be waiting. Love Me your "little Anagel" Heather May

Debra Morello

October 28, 2007

I had the honor of going to high school with Maggie and I saw her from time to time in the 1970's but haven't seen her in many years. Maggie was one of those people who really lit up any room the minute she walked in and it was always fun and exciting just to be around her. My most sincere condolences to all of you as you mourn her passing.

God Bless You,
Debbie Murphy Morello

Linda Soliwoda

October 28, 2007

We are so sorry at the passing of your beloved daughter and sister Maggie. She was a delightful, talented, and loving woman.

Dotty, through our friendship I know what a very special person she was...and I know she will be missed very, very much.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

With love and sincere sympathy,
Linda, Bill, and family

Mary-Anne Welch

October 28, 2007

My Dear Big Sister,
I will sorely miss your loving heart and peaceful gaze. I know you are with our dad in the paradise you always envisioned within yourself and others. You will always be a part of my heart, as will your sweet daughter whom you trusted to me to care for twice during her early childhood.

You were here to allow the divine purpose of the universe to enfold. That is how important you are to me and all who were blessed to know you.
Namaste,
Mary-Anne

Nancy Oliveri

October 28, 2007

On Oct. 24, we lost our big sister Maggie, the second of 8 children in our family in birth order, but the first of our siblings to leave us. She was eleven years older than I, and infinitely more spiritual and creative. She was a light in my life that has now dimmed. In her obituary,when we say she "went to be with her Lord", it is not a cliche. We think He called her as plainly as one would call a child in from the dark or the rain. Her death was peaceful, despite what felt to us like the suddenness of it, and I will miss her so, so much. Good-bye, Maggie. I love you.

October 28, 2007

Dear loved ones,
It is always encouraging to read that someone's loved one was fully commited to Christ as is stated in Margarets obituary. May St. John 3 and Psalm 23 be of comfort to you.

Holly Steele

October 27, 2007

Our Father , The Lord has welcomed you with open arms, now you can rejoice, be happy, and be perfectly well. Peace.

Kathy McKenzie

October 27, 2007

I will miss my big sister, who was my friend, fill-in mom, art and divinity tutor, cheerleader when I was down, and especially as the most unique and wonderful human being I've ever know to bless this planet. She is with the angels, where she began and with whom she was always connected through her marvelous art, her loving actions, and her devout spirit. I love you, Maggie.

Margaret with Mother Anna, Easter 2005 - snowy 3/27.

Dory McKenzie

October 27, 2007

My dear sister Maggie, we grew up together, shared a room, shared our dolls (no, Margie, MY Ginny had the green hair--YOUR Ginny had the blue hair). Thanks for posing so perfectly for your portrait, Easter 2005, shown here (obit). Thanks for all the songs, philosophy talks, and laughs--and to settle the matter, thanks but YOU were the best artist, not me. I wanted so much to see you this week, and give you this Ginny I found. But I'm glad your final moments were peaceful, and that you were in the presence of that pure light in the sky. Love you, always your big-sis (by just a little, but I knew how to work it!), your Dottie

October 27, 2007

I am so sorry to read of Maggie's passing. We shared many good laughs and good talks. I worked with Maggie for a while, but whenever I saw her, she would always greet me with a hug and a warm smile. She was a very kind person. She drew me many pictures and each has a story and a good memory attached to them. She is now home with God, may she rest in peace.

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