Surrounded by her family, Mauna Claudette Peavey Steele, a cherished Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend passed away peacefully at 89 years of age, Friday, May 23, 2025. Mauna was a loving and caring woman who lived a life filled with kindness, laughter and an amazing sense of humor. Mauna's long journey with dementia brought challenges to her life yet she also found peace during this time which profoundly touched the lives of all those around her.
The daughter of Lawrence Levi Peavy and Hilda Cora Mason Peavey, Mauna was born in Concord, Vermont. Mauna graduated from Danville High in 1954 where she was top of her class, excelling in theatre, art, and sports. Upon graduation, she went to Becker College, becoming the first in her family to attend college. She was a standout in all aspects of college life and was soon invited to work at the Pentagon.
In 1955 Mauna married Donald Steele in East St. Johnsbur y, VT, and they soon started a family. Her plans to work at the Pentagon were put on hold when Don was invited to work for GE in Phoenix AZ.
Soon Mauna, with 3 children in tow, traveled across the US by bus, to start their new lives in Phoenix, then onto Los Alamos, NM where Don worked at the National Lab. Later, moving to Longmont, CO, for Don's long career with IBM. After raising 3 children, and being a caregiver to others, Mauna went back to College and received her degree in Early Childhood Education 1985! She went to work as a teacher in Longmont and the children loved her.
Mauna overcame the challenges of her childhood through her strong faith in God, and she dedicated time studying the Bible and teaching bible lessons for many years.
Mauna enjoyed the outdoors, exploring nature, fishing, long walks with her dogs, visiting our National Parks and navigating the many travel vacations with her family. Since Mauna's days growing up on the family farm and tending to the animals, she always had a fondness for visiting farms and being with the horses and cows. Mauna was an early advocate of balanced nutrition through the use of organic and natural foods, and she took great joy in working the soil and sharing her bountiful vegetable gardens with family, neighbors & friends.
Mauna always cared for others throughout her life, and she never stopped being appreciative of the help and care provided to her by others. On her last travel adventure Mauna & Don were able to travel back to Vermont, to visit her childhood farm, loving family and friends. This was a trip of a lifetime which was enjoyed by all and truly a blessing!
Mauna is survived by her son Kevin Steele,(Helain), daughters, Kellie Steele,(Mark Newman) and Julie Steele,(Matt Dudgeon), 4 grandchildren, Chantr y Dasaro,(Patrick), Tate Chartrand, (Jabin), Alanna Steele & Leah Steele, and 5 great-grandchildren, Dylan, Olive, Weston, Sirena & Tanya. A Gravesite Memorial Service will be held May 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Foothills Memorial Gardens, Longmont, CO. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to your local food bank in memory of Mauna Steele for continued care of those in need.