Eileen Marie Steitz's Obituary
Eileen Marie Steitz, born on April 2, 1966, in Parma, Ohio, passed away on April 1, 2026, just one day shy of her 60th birthday. Eileen lived a life defined by love, creativity, and devotion to the people and animals she held dear. She was a spirited, vibrant, and deeply caring woman whose presence brought warmth and energy to all those fortunate enough to be in her orbit. Those who knew her shared the gift of her love, caring and zest for life.
Family was the center of Eileen’s world. She was a devoted wife and soulmate to Jack Steitz, and a loving mother to Taylor and Jake. This love was given unselfishly to her extended family and many friends and especially nieces and nephews who she doted on relentlessly.
Eileen was known for her creativity which she displayed in all her talents. To say she loved to cook would not do justice to the diverse and always delicious meals she passionately prepared. She also enjoyed making jewelry, painting, and expressing herself through all kinds of artsy projects. Her style and spirit were unmistakably her own, and everything she did carried a little extra flair. She was spicy, spunky, and full of life, and she embraced each day with a bold and colorful energy that was uniquely hers.
Eileen made sure the people she loved knew it every day, and she never missed an opportunity to show her affection through her words, her actions, her unwavering support.
Her love for animals was lifelong and sincere. She adored Stella, her Australian Shepherd and her grand kitties, Pippa and Moe. Every morning she convened a loyal court of birds and animals that were drawn to her vibrant garden, and she was known to capture these moments on her Facebook posts.
Eileen also treasured time spent with her husband and family, especially during annual vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean. Eileen was a true water baby. Whether it was lounging at Papou’s pool, visiting family at Lakeside, the sunshine and peace of the outdoors was where she found a joyful grounding.
Music was a constant in her life and always played a little loud. Her taste in music reflected her multicolored personality. At any given time, it could be Elton John, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, the Chili Peppers which was often sprinkled in with Kiss or Metallica.
Whether it was the Beatles, or George Strait —each song echoed her vibrant and eclectic spirit. Eileen also enjoyed winding down with a good book, a Netflix series or on occasion a good horror film scream. She laughed as passionately as she loved and her April Fool’s jokes were legendary. Eileen will be remembered as creative, spirited, and loving.
Her life was a beautiful reflection of her devotion to family, her love of animals, her artistic soul, and her unmistakable personality. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, honesty, laughter, and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Jack, and her daughter, Taylor Marko (Eric) Eileen is also survived by her father, Jim Pontikos, her siblings, Allen Eads, Michael Eads (Karen), and Michele (Tim) Love, her sister in-law Linae Marek, and her nieces and nephews: Sean Marek, Mikey Eads, Madeline Love, Teagan Love, Harrison Eads, Curran Love, and Mairenn Love. Eileen was preceded in death by her dear son, Jake Steitz, and her mother, Adele Pontikos.
Eileen's family will greet friends on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 1 - 5 PM at Jardine Funeral Home, 15822 Pearl Rd, Strongsville. A service to honor her life will begin there at 5 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Asher House, Buckeye's Missions and Sanctuary, Our Life Adventures, or the Medina County ASPCA.
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