The vibrant, vivacious WWII Veteran, Marie “Tootsie” Loisel Steele, 91, Peachtree City, Ga., generously bequeathed her body to Emory Hospital research on 9/25/2013. She requested no flowers, donations or wake so to honor her wishes, please remember her by performing an act of kindness.
Born on May 26, 1922 to New Orleans Commissioner Henry Loisel and Louise Marie Rodriguez, she was nicknamed “Tootsie” by her father and was the youngest of 5 children. Tootsie was Loyola University educated and served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). She married WWII veteran, John “Jack” J. Steele (of Boston) at Miami Beach, Fla. where they were stationed. They spent 26 years in Braintree, Mass. raising 6 daughters before transferring to Georgia for another 43 years.
Tootsie is survived by her husband of 69 years and their children: Sheryl and the late John Flynn from Hanover, Mass./now Peachtree City, Ga.; Linda and Tony Demeo of Abington, Mass.; Lou and Tom Russo of Hanson, Mass.; Dr. Cyndi and Will High of Dripping Springs, Texas; Starr and Rick Helms of Tyrone, Ga.; Dixie and Paul Gasper of Fayetteville, Ga. She is beloved of her many nephews and nieces, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Tootsie fought for civil rights and respect for others, taught families come first, how to have fun and that love is eternal. She will remain forever in our hearts.
