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Wallis W. Steele

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University of Vermont

Wallis Steele Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 25, 2025.

Wallis W. Steele, 81, of Arlington, Mass., died peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Wallis was born in Lewiston, Maine, to Dr. Wedgwood Webber, a surgeon, and Ann Webber. She graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Vermont. After moving to Minnesota, Wallis worked for many years as Executive Director of the Girl Scout Council and as Assistant Director of the Talented and Gifted Program at Duke University in North Carolina providing challenging academic experiences for high school students. She also volunteered in an English as a Second Language program teaching English to adults in Brunswick, Maine. Wallis was married to Richard Steele, Dean of Admissions at Vassar College, the University of Vermont, Carleton College, Duke University, and Bowdoin College. She moved many times with Richard and enjoyed working, playing tennis, and raising their three children. She eventually divorced while living in Maine and enjoyed living several years in Falmouth, Maine, with her two beloved cats prior to moving to Brightview Senior Living in Arlington, Mass. Wallis loved her friends and family and her two cats. She enjoyed cheering people up and making them laugh. She was known for her sharp wit, her big heart, and for telling great stories. She cared deeply for her friends and family and will be greatly missed.

Wallis is survived by her children, Alison Carrier (John) of Arlington, Mass., Kristen Kuschke (John) of Gorham, Maine, and Jonathan Steele (Kerri) of Arlington, Mass., her sister, Elizabeth Budd of Westchester Penn., a nephew, Tait Norden (Lisa), and six grandchildren, Carson (Esther) and Calvin Kuschke, Kathryn and Jack Carrier, and Alexander and Emma Steele. The family will hold a private burial in Maine.

In lieu of flowers, Wallis's memory may be honored by supporting one of her favorite causes:

Girl Scouts of Maine

138 Gannett Drive, South Portland, ME 04106

https://www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/en/get-involved/support-us/donate-locally.html

Midcoast Humane Society

5 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, Maine 04011

https://midcoasthumane.org/donate/urgent-giving/

The Kennebec Land Trust

P.O. Box 261, Winthrop, ME 04364

https://www.tklt.org/support-klt

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