Barbara Jean Steinke (née Feess), 76, died September 13, 2022, in Laurel Springs, New Jersey. She has been surrounded by caring family and friends in her last days, and all the days of her life.

Barbara was born August 5, 1946 in Barnegat, New Jersey, to Edward and Lillian Feess. Barbara sang in youth choir at the Methodist Church in Barnegat, and she enjoyed summers on Barnegat Bay with her dear friends and cousins. She graduated from Southern Regional High School, then earned her BS at East Stroudsburg University, where she majored in Health and Physical Education. After graduation, she returned to Southern Regional High School as a teacher and field hockey coach. She relished her summer with friends in Margate, New Jersey, where she met her beloved husband, Frederick William Steinke.

Barbara and Fred married on August 22, 1970. After spending their first year of marriage in Philadelphia, they bought a home in Laurel Springs, New Jersey where they raised their two children, Beth Anne and Frederick William. She was an active member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church as a Sunday School teacher, and she was a volunteer in her childrens' schools and sports leagues. She retired from Gloucester Township Public Schools after 27 years of teaching. While teaching, she earned her Masters in the Art of Teaching at Marygrove College. Barbara poured her heart into her teaching and into the lives of the children she taught.

Her hobbies included reading, gardening, traveling, watching mystery shows, and cheering on the Eagles and Phillies. She enjoyed her weekly coffee group with her teacher friends, planning family Christmas parties, and attending the theater with her family. She delighted in planning numerous family vacations from the Jersey Shore to Florida to Austria. In her later years, Barbara was devoted to the care of her parents, Edward and Lillian.

Most important to Barbara was spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She was utterly devoted to them. Many times a year, Barbara and Fred would drive to New York or hop on a plane to California to share in every important moment in the lives of their kids and grandkids. She was generous with her love and never failed to send a note or a gift for a birthday, a holiday or any significant event. We all felt her love, and she will be so dearly missed.

Barbara's selflessness, kindness and sense of humor were unmatched. She faced ALS over the last two years with remarkable bravery, graciousness, and strength. Her support team of family and friends learned from her every single day she graced our presence.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Frederick W. Steinke; two children and their spouses, Beth (Peter) Scholze, Fred (Elizabeth) Steinke; and 3 grandchildren, Becky Scholze, Matthew Scholze, and Alex Steinke.

The family will receive friends at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE on Sunday, September 18, 5pm to 7pm, and Monday, September 19, 8am to 9am. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 19, at 10am at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 401 Erial Road, Blackwood, New Jersey. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville, New Jersey.

Donations in memory of Barbara Jean Steinke may be sent to the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002
215-643-5434 (www.alsphiladelphia.org)

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