CALUMET

Pauline Steck, age 105, of Eagle River, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday August 14, 2016 at Garden View Assisted Living, in Calumet. Born Pauline Margaret Picchiottino, the youngest of seven children to northern Italy immigrants in Laurium, Michigan. Although English was not her first language when she went to school, she excelled in an academic environment winning several oratory competitions and graduating early as valedictorian of the Calumet High School Class of 1928. Later that year with the help of scholarships and her family, she entered the University of Michigan, specializing in foreign languages (Greek, Latin, and French), was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and in June of 1932 she graduated as Summa Cum Laude. She then returned to live with her parents in Laurium. Times were tough during the Depression, especially for an Italian-Catholic young woman, but she landed a job at Calumet High School, teaching Latin and History in 1935. Over the next few years she taught and then took summer school classes in Ann Arbor, to complete her Masters Degree in foreign languages in 1938.

In June of 1941, she married Alden L. Steck, an artist and local florist. Three children followed: Larry, Daniel, and Mary. From 1941 to 1955 she stayed home to care for her family, but when Mary reached age 5, Pauline resumed her career at Calumet High School, where all three of her children had to struggle through 2 years of Latin with “Mom”. During the summers spent at their cottage in Eagle River, Pauline was the driving force behind the family’s wild berry jam enterprise. One year she produced 1,176 jars of jam. The proceeds from jamming allowed the family to take road trips throughout the U.S. In 1975, she retired and until Alden passed away in 1982, the two of them alternated living summers in Eagle River, and spending the winter months in Owosso, Michigan, where she had numerous relatives. During this period she was a prolific producer of handwork, seemingly making afghans, mittens, and hats for all who asked. Pauline continued the Eagle River-Owosso pattern until 2000, but then reached the conclusion that the travel down state and winter driving in the Keweenaw were too much. She took up winter residence at Northridge Pines Assisted Living in Calumet, then staying year-round until it closed, when she moved to Garden View. Although her eyesight, hearing, and mobility were reduced, she continued to be mentally active, including weekly meetings with former students (then in their 70’s) to translate Latin texts.

Pauline is survived by her children;
Larry (Linda) Steck of St. Joseph, Michigan
Dan (Joan) Steck of Eagle River, Michigan
Mary (Rodger) Kershner of Eagle River, Michigan

Two grandchildren: Michael and Michele
Three great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Taelir, and Benjamin

Plus numerous nieces and nephews

Thanks to GardenView staff for their great care; to loyal visitors and friends during the last years; Jean Ellis, Susan Burack, Peter Pietila, Sue Ellen Kingsley, Terry Kinzel, and Fr. Abraham Mupparathara.

Burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery in Eagle River. In accordance with her wishes no public services will be held. Donations in Pauline’s name to the donor’s favorite charity are suggested in lieu of other expressions of condolence of memorial.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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