Lois Stieger

Lois Catanzaro-Stieger (nee Brauchler), 83, passed away on September 1, 2023 in New Jersey. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, NY, Lois moved to Annadale, Staten Island in 1962 and settled in Arrochar in 1986. After graduating high school and attending the College of Staten Island, Lois worked for several local eating establishments on Staten Island, as well as working at the Richmond County Country Club as a hostess, administration and switchboard operator. She also worked for Brooklyn Union Gas as a receptionist on the Executive Floor, retiring in the early 2000's. 

Lois was a founding member of the Gateway Church and remained active in church ministries for many years including the deaf ministry which she took pride in being part of. Lois also was an excellent photographer and belonged to local photography clubs. She developed her own film and won many awards for her creative photography work. She also enjoyed growing beautiful flowers in her garden, creating stained glass projects, calligraphy writing and even exercising daily. Lois even instructed personalized work-out routines at the local senior center. Lois was also an excellent horseback rider and belonged to several Island stables. Along with her husband, Bill, the couple traveled the country creating memories while Lois took beautiful photographs of the landscapes.

"Mom was a hard-working woman," said her children. "She never stopped learning and had many interests and talents. She truly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

I her own words, Lois described her life as follows:   “I am very loving, caring, fair, and have a great sense of humor. 
I always cheer for the underdog.  
I come come from a Christian home with loving, caring, parents and siblings. 
They were my strong foundation. 
I have always loved the Lord. He has guided me - has been my strength and support throughout my life.
I could not have raised my three wonderful children without Him. He gets all the credit for the amazing adults they have become. 
I am a great “Granny”
My grandchildren and great grandchildren are my precious treasures and they are so much fun. 
I take every opportunity to encourage people, especially to encourage them to come to church to know the Lord. 
I love photography and hope some of my pictures will be treasured by my family and friends. “

Lois Catanzaro-Stieger was the beloved wife of the late William "Bill" Stieger, who recently passed away in 2023. She was the loving mother of Anthony Catanzaro and his wife Gina, Michael Catanzaro and his wife Kathy, Cindy Jo Clements and her husband Michael; step-mother of Marie Lawrence and her husband Kenneth and Darlene Gillen and her husband Brian. Lois was the adored grandmother of Nicholas and his wife Kate, Samantha, Daniel, Katie and her husband Ryan, Michael Brian, George and his wife Carrie, Joseph, Michelle and Anna; Cherished great-grandmother of Michael, Ella, Abigail and Henry. She was the dearest sister of George Brauchler and his wife Annette, Robert Brauchler and his wife Jeanette and Linda Brauchler-Spires and her husband Tom.

A. Azzara Funeral Home is honored with providing the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Stieger which include visiting at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. Chapel Service on Thursday morning at 10:00am. Interment follows at Maple Grove Memorial Park in Queens, NY.