Carol Ann Steininger (nee Sweeney), 81
Carol Ann Steininger (nee Sweeney), 81, of Alameda, Calif. Slipped away peacefully on February 6, 2023; she succumbed to metastatic melanoma after an October 2021 diagnosis. Her passing comes just two months after the death of her beloved husband, Ron.
Born at home during a blizzard on January 3, 1942, Carol was one of the 10th of 11 children. She grew up on the family farm in rural southwest Iowa, near Conway. After attending college at Creighton University in Omaha, she moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where she completed her education at Berkeley. Carol met her future husband, Ron Steininger, while teaching in the Napa area. She received her Master’s degree in education and enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a teacher for the Oakland Unified School District. Ron and Carol wed in 1979 and made their home in San Francisco, the hills of San Leandro, and the island city of Alameda.
Carol is survived by her brother Stephen Sweeney and her many nieces and nephews and their children. She is predeceased by her parents, Frank and Ellen (Leahy) Sweeney, her sisters Margaret Sweeney, Florence Robinson, Maureen Walton, Mary Evans, Catherine Rainforth, Frances Myers, and her brothers Francis (Bill), George and Hubert Sweeney.
Carol Ann was truly beautiful inside and out. She was gracious and kind, with a big smile and humble heart. She was an incredible listener, deeply empathetic and engaged, whether you were sharing your troubles or triumphs. Her vivid reactions and uproarious laughter made anyone feel like an amazing storyteller. A fantastic conversationalist, Carol was witty and curious. She shifted the spotlight onto others, drawing out the best in everyone. She was a devoted wife; a caring daughter, sister, and aunt; a dear friend. She will be missed tremendously.
Carol enjoyed life’s simple pleasures – socializing with friends and spending time with family, especially when paired with Chardonnay and olives or coffee and chocolate! She was an avid reader and life-long learner. She enjoyed the theater and opera with friends, and endless adventures with Ron – skiing, boating, and traveling the world. She was our family’s understated fashion icon, always timelessly stylish, poised, and elegant. It is ironic that undetected skin cancer is what took her away from us; Carol was well-known for her beautiful skin, wide-brimmed hats, and oversized sunglasses.
Both Ron and Carol’s ashes will be interred, per their wishes, in the cemetery in Lenox, Iowa where the Sweeney family is laid to rest. The families intend to host a celebration of life for both Ron and Carol at a future date. There was always fresh flowers on Carol’s dining room table, and you should treat yourself to a bouquet in her memory. Turn on some classical music and settle in with a crossword puzzle as you remember what a lovely person she was.
The Sweeney family would like to send a heartfelt appreciation to Molly Sweeney, Carol’s niece, for taking care of both Carol and Ron the last year and a half of their lives. Molly was, and remains, Carol’s Person.
