Elizabeth J. Steinbrecher (Svea)
October 5, 1920 – October 25, 2009

"Whatever she does, wherever she goes, grace orders her actions, and follows her movements."
Tilbullus, De Sulpicia.Bk iii, eleg.8,1.7

Elizabeth J. Steinbrecher, 89, (or Betty as her friends called her) passed away on October 25th, 2009, surrounded by her family after a long hospitalization. Betty was born in Osteroker, Sweden in her mother's home, on October 5, 1920. She was christened Svea Ingrid Johansson. Her parents were, Maria Ceiling and Elias Johannson. Betty's mother moved to New York when she was 15 years old. Betty's mother traveled back to Sweden to bear her only child. Her dad worked in New York and was the chief electrician for the Chicklet Company. Betty grew up in Astoria, New York and later met the love of her life, Raymond Eugene Steinbrecher, who has since preceded her in death. They were married on May 27, 1944. Soon thereafter, they had a daughter they named Robin Elizabeth and a son named Raymond Jr.

Betty graduated from high school in Astoria, New York and later went on to get a business degree. The family moved to Miami when Robin was a small child. She first worked in the purchasing department of National Airlines and later with Pan American Airways, where she retired in 1982. The airline positions allowed Betty to provide life long memorable experiences to her family, taking them across the globe with regularity.

Betty's daughter, Robin, had since met and married Barry William Ross, a son in law she would come to adore, and the couple moved to Panama City Beach, Florida. Longing to be closer to at least some of her family, (Raymond Jr. was off at college), Betty and Raymond Sr. decided to move to Panama City Beach Florida, Florida.

Finally, Betty had a chance to pursue her true love, painting. She specialized in Beach scenes and florals. She eventually received awards in local competitions. Betty also became an avid gator fan, doing the "chomp" in support of her team. She loved to go to Shell Island with her family for picnics. Woodlawn Methodist Church was also an important part of her life; as was volunteering. Recently she participated in a church sponsored beach trash clean up using her walker. She also proved to be an avid gardener and grew exotic vegetables.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Robin Elizabeth Ross and her husband, Barry William Ross; her son, Raymond Steinbrecher, Jr., the grandchildren she adored, Amy Elizabeth Ross, Barry William Ross II, Raymond Steinbrecher, III. and Julia Elizabeth Steinbrecher. Surviving cousins include Marrilynn Puckett, Jean Wilson and Carol Bernard.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2009 with funeral services to follow at 4 p.m.

"Live pure, speak true, right wrong…Else, wherefore born?" Tennyson, Gareth and Lynette, 1.117

Wilson Funeral Home