Rosalee Ann Steele

Rosalee Ann Steele, age 75, passed away peacefully at her home in Sigel, Pennsylvania, on June 2, 2026, following a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on March 23, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio, Rosalee was the beloved daughter of the late Michael Edward and Ann Patricia (Dalfior) Kozak. She grew up in a faithful and close-knit community, attending St. Dominic’s Catholic School and graduating from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in 1969. Pursuing her passion for helping others, she attended Clarion University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in special education in 1978.

Rosalee’s professional journey reflected her work ethic and versatility. She began her career shaping young minds as a special education teacher at Ridgway Elementary School. Later, she transitioned into the insurance industry, bringing her characteristic warmth and dedication to Matson Insurance in Brookville, PA. She went on to become a highly successful agent with State Farm Insurance in Hawthorne, PA, earning top agent recognition in Pennsylvania during her final year with the company.

In 1986, Rosalee began a distinguished, 24-year career with National Fuel Gas, serving as a Field Clerk. Over more than two decades, she became a true expert in navigating complex regulations and working with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for natural gas projects and approvals, ultimately retiring in 2010.

Retirement only amplified Rosalee’s commitment to her community. She poured her time and energy into volunteer work, serving for 15 years with the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging’s VITA program, where she provided free tax preparation for seniors, while also serving as a dedicated Ombudsman advocate.

As President of the Eldred Township Water Authority, Rosalee was a driving force for local infrastructure, spearheading the expansion of the water system and leading the vital project to dig a new secondary well for the community.

Her faith was central to her life. As an active member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Sigel, she led community-wide efforts, spearheading the annual Sigel Veteran’s Dinner—coordinated by local churches—and heading up the popular Bake Sale room for the Immaculate Conception Fall Festival.

Rosalee had a deep love for nature and the outdoors. She could often be found hiking or snowshoeing, especially among the Pennsylvania Laurel Fields, or camping along the scenic Clarion River. In 1982, she started a Memorial Day camping trip that blossomed into a cherished family tradition. Continuing to this day, the annual getaway brings together friends and family—sometimes numbering over 40 people—for canoeing, large campfire meals, and lifelong memories.

She loved to experience the world, embarking on grand family adventures to Hawaii, Alaska, and Punta Cana, as well as traveling across the United States to Washington, D.C., Vermont, Maine, and Colorado. She had a deep love for her Labrador retrievers—Max, Mac, Pepper, and Snow River—and found simple happiness taking drives along country roads.

Rosalee was also a master decorator and entertainer who lived for the holidays. She was famous for hosting her traditional Polish Christmas dinner, a festive gathering open to friends and family alike. Her culinary and hosting talents were so renowned that she frequently shared them by catering weddings and special events for those she loved.

Rosalee was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Beverly Petrony; and her nephew, Michael Delfino.

She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Donald R. Steele; her brother, Michael “Corky” Kozak; her children, John Alcorn (Becky), Joshua Alcorn (Christel), Tammy Steele Lieb (Jeff), and Timothy Steele (Melissa); and her cherished grandchildren, Timmy, Tristan, Jack, Joanna, and Annabelle. She is also survived by her great-grandchild, TJ; ten nieces and nephews; more than a dozen great-nieces and great-nephews; and several great-great-nieces and nephews.

Rosalee will be remembered as a pillar of her family and community—a woman of immense capability, generosity, and joy who made every gathering a celebration and every stranger a friend.

Her family will receive friends from 4-8PM on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Furlong Funeral Home, 50 Broad St., Summerville, PA.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Church 129 Graham Ave, Brookville, PA.

Friends and family may order flowers, leave an online condolence, light a memorial candle, share a memory and obtain additional information by visiting www.furlongfuneralhome.com.

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