Wallis W. Steele, 81, of Arlington, Mass., died peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Wallis was born in Lewiston, Maine, to Dr. Wedgwood Webber, a surgeon, and Ann Webber. She graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Vermont. After moving to Minnesota, Wallis worked for many years as Executive Director of the Girl Scout Council and as Assistant Director of the Talented and Gifted Program at Duke University in North Carolina providing challenging academic experiences for high school students. She also volunteered in an English as a Second Language program teaching English to adults in Brunswick, Maine. Wallis was married to Richard Steele, Dean of Admissions at Vassar College, the University of Vermont, Carleton College, Duke University, and Bowdoin College. She moved many times with Richard and enjoyed working, playing tennis, and raising their three children. She eventually divorced while living in Maine and enjoyed living several years in Falmouth, Maine, with her two beloved cats prior to moving to Brightview Senior Living in Arlington, Mass. Wallis loved her friends and family and her two cats. She enjoyed cheering people up and making them laugh. She was known for her sharp wit, her big heart, and for telling great stories. She cared deeply for her friends and family and will be greatly missed.
Wallis is survived by her children, Alison Carrier (John) of Arlington, Mass., Kristen Kuschke (John) of Gorham, Maine, and Jonathan Steele (Kerri) of Arlington, Mass., her sister, Elizabeth Budd of Westchester Penn., a nephew, Tait Norden (Lisa), and six grandchildren, Carson (Esther) and Calvin Kuschke, Kathryn and Jack Carrier, and Alexander and Emma Steele. The family will hold a private burial in Maine.
In lieu of flowers, Wallis's memory may be honored by supporting one of her favorite causes:
Girl Scouts of Maine
138 Gannett Drive, South Portland, ME 04106
https://www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/en/get-involved/support-us/donate-locally.html
Midcoast Humane Society
5 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, Maine 04011
https://midcoasthumane.org/donate/urgent-giving/
The Kennebec Land Trust
P.O. Box 261, Winthrop, ME 04364
https://www.tklt.org/support-klt
Conservation Across Generations
In Memoriam
KLT remembers deceased members and supporters. We hope you are able to remember your loved ones outside in the special places we all love.
Kennebec Land Trust
Conservation Across Generations
The Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) works cooperatively with landowners and communities to conserve the forests, shorelands, fields, and wildlife that define central Maine. KLT protects land permanently, offers opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy the natural world, and works with partners to support sustainable forestry and farming.
The Kennebec Land Trust | 331 Main St, Winthrop, ME, 04364, United States