Louise Steiner

Lousie "Lou" McKibbin Opie Steiner, 89, died peacefully Tuesday, July 19, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was the cherished daughter of Louise McKibbin and Howard Opie (deceased); beloved wife of John "Jake" Steiner (deceased); adored mother of Elizabeth, John (Ilene), Carolyn (Chris), Case (Rosemary) and Mary Ann; loving grandmother of Meagan Lily (Jordan), Paige, Emily, Robin, Ben, Connor and Audrey; devoted sister of Martha O. Shepherd (deceased) and her children, Rob, Scott and Jayne; caring sister-in-law of Clarence and Catherine Steiner (deceased) and their children, Fred, Ted and Bobbie (deceased), Barbara and Dan and all of their children and grandchildren. So many family members called Louise their mother. Louise and Jake grew up in the east end of Pittsburgh and settled in Edgewood in 1965. They held their family and friends front and center, always. They fostered a love of family, learning and travel. Frequent gatherings in her home for holidays and more than 55 annual wine crushed that ranged from a "small" dinner for 12 to a bash with 150 revelers were just a few examples of her generous hospitality. Louise was active in her community demonstrating her love of Pittsburgh as a co-founder of Pittsburgh Panorama, a tour company and in her volunteer efforts with Allegheny Historic Preservation Society and its work renovating the Cavalry United Methodist Church. In the 1960s and 70s, wielding her sharp wit, she wrote comic lyrics for many community musicals. And far from her community, she traveled to more than 30 countries with her husband, family and friends. Unflappable, she was a class act. Her joy, curiosity, effortless hospitality and generosity of spirit are some of her many virtues as well as the thousands of little kindnesses, big and small, that she bestowed on her friends and family. She showed her family and friends how to live and how to leave this world with grace. Louise lived a full life, celebrating her 88th birthday with her family and friends by riding the Racer at Kennywood, traveling to Cuba a week before President Obama did, and for hosting a party for her granddaughter's betrothal with 60 guests in her backyard, just a few weeks ago. In lieu of flowers and to celebrate her love of reading and community, donations to the CC Mellor Library, located at 1 Pennwood Ave., Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, would be greatly appreciated.
Family will received visitors from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016, at the THOMAS L. NIED FUENRAL HOME at 7441 Washington Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
www.niedfuneralhome.com.