Maria Vlahakes Steele

Maria Vlahakes Steele, 74, of Warren, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Maria was born on June 14, 1951, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Anthony and Connie Vlahakes. She was a member of the Maids of Athena and later the Philoptochos Society at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Newark. She graduated from Union High School and later attended Union County College.

Maria was known for her warm and vivacious personality. She commanded every room she entered, welcomed everyone, excluded no one, and never hesitated to share her passions.

Maria fought relentlessly for causes she believed in. At just 21 years old, Maria joined the Business and Professional Women's Organization (BPW) and quickly became a leader within the Millburn–Short Hills chapter. She organized fundraisers that provided scholarships for young women, helped establish a rape crisis counseling hotline and a women's shelter, and mentored women as they prepared for interviews and built confidence in their professional lives.

Maria began her career at Franklin State Bank and later worked at Intercommunity Bank, where she rose from teller to assistant manager and ultimately branch manager. She remained in this role until she left the workforce to raise her children. Maria's family was always her first priority and greatest pride.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years, W. Glenn Steele; her son Adam (Nicole) Steele, daughter Alana (Derek) Steele-Marschke, and stepson Justin (Mary Lynn) Steele; and her cherished grandchildren: Jason, Sienna Maria, Daphne, Paul and Lily. She is also survived by her brother, Louis (Stacey), and her sisters, Kathie (Pat) and Janice.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–9:00 PM at Bruce C. Van Arsdale Funeral Home, 111 N. Gaston Ave, Somerville. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 10, at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallow Hills Road, Westfield, with a viewing beginning at 10:15 AM. Interment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park & Cemetery in Union.

May her memory be eternal.