Nancy Steel

[Guest Nicole]

Nancy Anne Steel, born Alice Nina Anne Fontaine O’Brien, died Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Little Rock.

She leaves behind a brother, Sean O’Brien (Jane); four children, James A. “Jay” Steel, Jennifer Steel (Chris Attig), Joanna Wagner (Dan) and Julie Steel (Greg Engstrom). She is also survived by six grandsons, Alex and Max Walter, Thomas Wagner, Gus and Oliver Engstrom; and Fritz Attig; a nephew, Sean Nathan O’Brien; and numerous other nieces, nephews, in‐laws and friends.

Nancy was born to James and Alice O’Brien in Indianapolis on Oct. 23, 1945. The eldest of three, she was a graduate of Little Rock Central High School and married Joe B. “Stan” Steel in the spring of 1963. Following the death of her parents, Nancy and Stan raised her younger brothers, Jimmy and Sean O’Brien as their own. Nancy had a sharp mind and a quick wit. She remained feisty and determined throughout her life. She loved fast cars, motorcycles, animals and striking footwear. She never lost sight of what was important to her, and passed on to her children her passion for justice, precision, efficiency and a love of words. She worked hard and expected no more from others than she demanded of herself. After starting Maiday Cleaning Service with her dear friend Pam Guthrie in 1976, and with four children in tow, Nancy went on to complete an associates degree with an emphasis in journalism at Westark Community College. Beginning as a newspaper copywriter, then reporter, she eventually worked her way to features editor of the Southwest Times Record (now Times Record) in Fort Smith. During her journalism career spanning 25 years, Nancy covered fashion in New York City, flew an F‐16 with the Thunderbirds, and served as special sections editor for more than a decade. Nancy won numerous awards for the paper, and in 1999 edited Insight 2000, a history of Fort Smith. In her later years, Nancy served on the board of the Fountain of Youth, a nonprofit organization providing care and support to dependent adults, and was board president from 1998‐2001. Nancy served on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association, was a member of Westark RSVP, and volunteered with the Gregory Kistler Treatment Center. She was a 2003 graduate of Leadership Fort Smith. In 1986, Nancy, along with her daughters, initiated litigation that resulted in a permanent injunction to ensure the freedom of religion for schoolchildren in Van Buren. The case has precedential value and has been cited throughout the country.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, James and Alice O’Brien; her brother, James “Jimmy” O’Brien; and her husband, Joe B. “Stan” Steel. “Remembering Nancy,” an event for family and friends, will be held Friday beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the River City Bistro, 7320 Rogers Avenue, Suite 7, in Fort Smith.

In recognition of Nancy’s appreciation for glitz, all are invited (though not required) to wear animal print, flashy jewelry, and/or magnificent shoes. A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 706 Xavier St., in Fort Smith at 1 p.m. Saturday. Friends and family are welcome to attend either or both events. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Source: http://swtimes.com/obituaries/nancy-steel

 

- See more at: http://swtimes.com/obituaries/nancy-steel#sthash.7RQNV4Hb.dpuf