Phylliss Lea Steiner

“I've heard it said,

that people come into our lives for a reason

bringing something we must learn.

And we are led to those

who help us most to grow if we let them.

and we help them in return.

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

but I know I'm who I am today

because I knew you.” - Kristen Chenowith, Wicked The Musical

Phylliss Lea Steiner passed away peacefully on October 18, 2023 at home, surrounded by her loved ones. While her time here on Earth was cut short, her impact will live on forever in the lives of those she loved and served.  For those who knew Phylliss, her passions were the Beatles, the Browns, Thousand Islands, but mostly family. She was fiercely supportive of those she loved, as her definition of family extended beyond the traditional bloodline. Family time on the back porch was a favorite of the Steiner/Madden family, as it provided the space and time for love, laughter, and life’s great range of emotions. 

“So be sure when you step,

step with care and great tact

and remember that Life's

a Great Balancing Act.” - Dr. Seuss

Phylliss was born November 21, 1955 in Akron, Ohio to Robert Wasmund and Phylliss Annett. She was a life-long resident of Cuyahoga Falls. After attending Cuyahoga Falls High School and getting her Associate’s Degree from The University of Akron, highlights of Phylliss’ work serving individuals with disabilities include: Director of Staff Development and Special Projects at the County of Summit Board of Education and Developmental Disabilities, Director of Staff Development and Video Production at The Hattie Larlham Foundation, and finally the Director of Creative Arts at The Hattie Larlham Foundation. Phylliss was also a founding member of The Dane Foundation, a local organization that serves people with disabilities and single mothers. Phylliss followed her passions for creativity and ingenuity, as she owned her own video production business Tribute Video, used her sewing skills for a variety of purposes like creating costumes, furniture coverings, and family related projects, and LOVED to work on home improvement.  Phylliss was preceded in death by her father Robert Wasmund (Shirley), and sister Annette Wasmund (Sally). She is survived by her mother Phylliss June Mutersbaugh (Dallas), brother Robert Wasmund (Susan), niece and nephew Megan Warner (Doug) and John Wasmund, her daughters Rocky Steiner and Catrina Madden (Eric), and grandsons Chase Steiner and Ethan Madden. 

“Though I know I’ll never lose affection

For people and things that went before.

I know I’ll often stop and think about them,

In my life, I love you more.” - The Beatles

A Celebration service of her beautiful life will be held on December 10th (her sister’s birthday) at The Polish-American Club at 472 East Glenwood in Akron between 11 and 12:30 with visitation and fellowship following during the Browns vs. Jaguars game.  In lieu of flowers, her family is asking that any donations be sent in her name to One of a Kind Pets, The Dane Foundation, or the United Presbyterian Church Food Pantry.

Phylliss Steiner, July 5, 2023: 

“Of course, this is the year the 

%$&#ing Browns are going to win the Super Bowl…” 

Enjoy the view up there in heaven Momma! Let’s Go Browns!