Florence L. Steele

FLORENCE L. “TEENIE” STEELE

MOHAWK - Florence L. “Teenie” Steele, 91, a lifelong resident of Mohawk, passed away with her devoted family at her side just 11 days after the passing of her husband, Richard “Dick” Steele on January 6th, 2026. The pair were inseparable and are now together again.

Teenie was born on September 17th, 1934, the fifth child of Phillip and Lorena (Fineout) Drury. She was a graduate of Mohawk High School Class of 1952. In her youth, Teenie spent many hours working alongside her parents and sisters at the Old Ladies Home on Main Street, Mohawk, doing laundry, kitchen, lawn, and gardening work. During her years in high school, she participated in Girl’s Basketball, Softball, Volleyball and Latin Club. After high school, she worked briefly at The House of the Good Shepherd and at the GE radio plant on Bleecker Street in Utica.

Teenie met the love of her life, Dick Steele, as a teenager. The pair were married at the Grace Episcopal Church on July 2nd, 1955, upon Dick’s return from serving overseas in the United States Army. Together they raised six children and were ultimately blessed with 70 years of marriage, a milestone they celebrated with their family this past July.

Teenie was an excellent stay at home mom, or as her family referred to her, “domestic engineer.” She was a talented cook, referee, nurse, and counselor, and — according to her — had eyes in the back of her head.

As her children grew, Teenie returned to the workforce, first at Mohawk Data Sciences (MDS) and then at Rite Aid. She was active with the Republican Club, Girl Scouts, and worked many years as a Polling Clerk for the local Board of Elections. She was also Town of German Flatts Historian. She and Dick owned the Mohawk Washing Well in Mohawk from 1986 to 2006. Together, they built a family business that reflected their values and hard work, later selling it to their son and continuing their legacy.

Teenie enjoyed garage saling, spending time at the family camp on Canadarago Lake, and good conversation with family and friends. She looked forward to the Fourth of July each year, one of her favorite days at camp.

She took great pride in her family and was often found attending sporting events, musicals, and anything that the children were involved in. Becoming a grandmother truly warmed Teenie’s heart. She and Dick attended as many games, recitals, graduations, and celebrations as they could. Her grandchildren fondly recall fun summer memories of boating, tubing, swimming, and fishing at their camp, and special sleepovers (with more than just a couple of cousins) at their house on Rock Hill Road.

Teenie is survived by her six children, Richard Steele, Jr., and wife Laurie (Cloutier) of Ilion, NY; Leslie Steele-Eddy and husband Mark of Ilion, NY; Katherine Thuener of Mohawk, NY; Lesa Steele and her partner, William Olson, of Ilion, NY; Christine Smalls and her husband, Bandish, of Ilion, NY and Andrew Steele and his wife Karen (Getman) of Mohawk, NY. She also had a special place in her heart for her nephews, Terry, Tom, and Tim Steele.

Teenie is also survived by her 18 grandchildren, who brought her great joy: Richard Steele, III and wife Kelly; Michael Steele and wife Alyssa; Keri Knight and husband, Robert; Jessica Thuener and her fiancé, Kyle Elthorp, Matt Kenyon, Jr.; Katherine Sterling and husband, Richard; Maximus Kenyon and wife, Brianna; Gretchen Watkins; Rachel Opels and her husband, Nick; Christopher Smalls, Brandin Smalls; Kiara Smalls, Brayden Smalls; Cody Brown; Emily Steele; Kristina Lindberg; Austin Lindberg; and Adalyn Steele, as well as 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Teenie was predeceased in death by her husband, Dick; brother, Phillip B. Drury; sister, Louise Werner; sister, Catherine Sheldon; sister, Josephine Gertenbach; sister, Cordelia Richardson, and brother, James Drury.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413; Herkimer County Meals on Wheels, Herkimer County OFA, 109 Mary St., Suite 1101, Herkimer, NY 13350; or the Mohawk Valley Nurse Honor Guard, 1354 Elizabethtown Road, Ilion, NY 13357.

A very special thank you to the caregivers, Julie Izzo, Leah Hess, Laura Perry, and Kelly Wenzel, that helped care for Dick and Teenie, George Clive from Meals on Wheels, who always took time to chat, and most of all Leslie, Kathy, Lesa, and Christine for their tireless efforts in keeping Dick and Teenie in their home for these last few months.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday January 10th, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at The Enea and Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY, with funeral services led by Reverend Brian Engel, to follow.

Dick and Teenie will be laid to rest together at the Mohawk Cemetery Annex on July 2nd, 2026.

Her obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.