Elvira Steinhauff

Elvira Helga “Vera”“Omi” Steinhauff (nee’ Kirn), 83 years young, passed away on March 13, 2024 after a valiant thirteen year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and the long-term effects of osteoarthritis. A breast cancer survivor, Elvira was a Warrior Queen. Elvira’s immense love for her daughters Claudia Lindstrom, who was also her loving caregiver for many years, Heidi Taber and Eve Rutledge; son (in law) Andy; her grandchildren, Jules, Troy, Dakota (Dylan), Ryan and Brett (Cori), and great grandchildren Brody, Ivy, Dallas and Connor, will continue on in their hearts forever. Elvira is now reunited with her beloved husband Gary; also waiting for her was her son-in-law, Mike, best friend Lovey, stepfather Ernst and family long departed. Known for her selflessness; mischievous laugh; generous heart; love of adventure, fast cars and her dogs including Maxi and Bailey, Elvira’s spirit belied her tough childhood, which began in the outskirts of Heilbronn, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany on February 28, 1941. A mere baby during WWII, she and her family suffered great personal loss with the bombing deaths of her father, eldest brother and sister and a baby sister from lack of medical care. Extreme poverty and the aftermath of war affected the rest of her life; undaunted, Elvira set out to live a full life, taking the bold step to immigrate to the US at a mere 18 years old to marry her German-born Gerhard, who, having immigrated earlier in 1953, was now a proud American GI stationed in Germany when they met in 1958. While homesickness never entirely went away, Elvira quickly adjusted to her adopted country’s Rock ‘n Roll, fashion and cars, learning English from the TV, as she and Gary raised three daughters in suburban New Jersey. Elvira loved nothing more than welcoming relatives and strangers alike into her home, where she effortlessly whipped up German delicacies from her native Schwäbish roots, happily sharing food, wine and laughter. Elvira was first and foremost a nurturer and made it her life-long mission to ensure her daughters’ and grandchildren’s health, happiness and celebrate their successes, garnering her the title of “Best Mom Ever”. She was known to get in her car and drive countless hours for surprise visits. On one such trip from Florida to New Jersey, she surprised her grandchildren with a rescue pup! As was the practice in Germany, Elvira learned business management as an apprentice in a butcher shop beginning at age thirteen through seventeen. Elvira utilized those skills when she re-entered the retail workforce in her forties, working in a clothing boutique, jewelry store and Ford dealership. Elvira loved sunsets and the color purple, two things she found aplenty in the years spent in Ft. Myers Beach and later Sarasota, FL. Most recently, Elvira found camaraderie at Seagrass Village in Gulf Shores, AL. The family is grateful to the friends she made who welcomed her and made a warm place for her to call home. At a time when Vera became most vulnerable, she was fortunate to have the most caring personal aides enter her life. She developed a trusting bond with Octavia, whom she loved and is now family. Octavia ensured Elvira’s days were filled with dignity, while still letting her “shake her tail feathers” as they often did. Of course, it takes a Village, and the family is thankful for Kathy Sullivant, Dee, LePorshe and Tracey who not only tirelessly provided the best care, but filled her days with laughter and joy. A special thank you to an angel on earth, Ashli at SouthernCare Hospice. To say Elvira will be missed is an understatement, but the family takes solace believing her spirit will soar eternally.

Elvira Steinhauff

March 13, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Elvira Steinhauff

March 13, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification