Anne C. Steele

The 11th of March 2023, surrounded by Spirit and Seed, Anne C. Steele sweetly slipped from soil to heavenly home,  where all Angels abide. A lifetime prior on the 12th of January 1932, Anne was born of goodly parents, William Ralph Cornford and Marguerite Bradshaw  joining a harmony of three, Wilma Marion, Alice Elaine,  and Dorothy Jean.

Marguerite Anne’s mortal melody flourished four score and eleven years. Acting as her own legacy lyricist, ““I have had many interests in my life, but for people who have known me, probably two stand out. Seeking out records of the dead was one, and since I am joining them we will not talk about that interest. The other one is music … passed down to my posterity”.

“Anne with an E” practiced up in a loving home, a dolce childhood playing with Marilyn, strolling with Daddy, and loving with Momma. At 12 years, a Sunday School Pianist - at 16, a Ward Organist -  and myriads of measures, hundreds of Hymns and scores of Singing Saints later, her closing coda at the Gardens assisted living. She’d want you to know that she was “pretty okay at the piano.”

A Noteworthy refrain at 17 involved a fine-looking young man and a Sunday drive, a Canyon Meadows picnic and a promise to “get me to the church on time”.  Belle and Beau were enjoying the rhythm of the date, but at the appointed hour, the Beau balked.  “I choose Annie over church.”  Anne proclaimed with fortissimo (fff), “If you won’t take me, then I will walk”.  And walk she did!  Fortunately, there was reprise for both the Beau who secured a second chance and Anne who sat at organ bench that day.

Her solo transformed duet one fate-filled day at the Ruth Lindsay Academy of Piano, as one Jack Steele, stunned by one Annie Cornford, froze… mesmerized by her artistry of song and symmetry .  Love at first sight-reading.  The musical siren sealed the deal with useless fingers crossed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on April 20, 1951.  … and the family opus commenced.

6 compositions followed: Suzanne Steele (Steven Weaver),  David Bryan Steele (Bonnie Jean Page), Tamera Steele  (Bruce Matthew Hunt), Annette Steele (Joel Phillip Brandley), Julia Steele (Eric Walter Gottschalk), Amy Marguerite Steele (Tyler Allen Brooks).  And the contata continued: 32 grandchildren, 79 great grandchildren, 1 double great, and thousands by proxy.

Anne performed many grand gigs: Kress Five and Dime, Co-Captain of 5th Period Kangaroos,   Librarian, Teacher’s Aide, Publican (irs agent), Piano Teacher, Full-time family history LDS Missionary known as Miss Genny Ology,  professional listener of Jack, but mostly a mother of faith, a daughter of God, a disciple of Jesus Christ.  A grandson who shared a lifetime roof with Anne and countless game-night skirmishes and innumerable “Fighting Preacher” reruns said it best “She opened her heart and her home”.

After savoring her mortal masterpiece- no one will ever be the same. By virtue of Sister Steele choosing to walk at 17. Wistfully, Anne transposed key as heaven received one of its own and no doubt to her grand surprise, a welcoming, immortal host stood in ovation, a congregation of blood and proxy..  And we of the dust, earth-bound -  long for just one more encore. Yet, Joyfully after 26 years, Jack and Annie… sitting in a tree…. again.

In the not too distant Future, possibly on a warm summer’s Day,  caught in our imaginations we discern pianissimo drifting on a breeze from the direction of paradise. A piano forte praising a Prince of Peace.  And we smile “The Annie Smile” and gently wish,  Play on, Dear Angel, play on….

Graveside services held Saturday March 18th at Noon at the Ogden City Cemetery 1875 Monroe Blvd, Ogden, UT.  A viewing will be held Friday March 17 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Leavitt’s Mortuary 836 36th Street, Ogden, UT.  All family members are invited to a Luncheon and Celebration of Life on Saturday March 18 at 1:30pm immediately following the graveside services at the LDS Church on 1000 Suncrest Drive, Ogden, UT (north of Ben Lomond HS soccer field)

Topic: Viewing for Anne Steele

Time: Mar 17, 2023 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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Topic: Graveside Services Anne Steele

Time: Mar 18, 2023 11:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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Jakob Brandley is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Luncheon for Anne Steele

Time: Mar 18, 2023 01:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 690 518 9452

Passcode: Anne