Ilion Naomi (Judy) Steele Naomi (Judy) Steele, age 88, formerly of 164 Prospect Ave, Ilion passed away peacefully on December 9, 2013 at the Folt’s Home. She was born May 21, 1925 in Ilion, daughter of the late Charles J. and Matilda E. Piper. She was educated in the Herkimer and Ilion school systems. In 1945, she married Raymond E. Steele, a blessed union of 50 years until his death in November, 1995. Mrs. Steele attended the Utica School of Commerce, worked for Remington Rand during WW II and for Northrup Supply Corporation for many years. She also worked for the Ilion Water Department for over 30 years, retiring in 1989. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Ilion for over 70 years. She was a long-time volunteer for many organizations including RSVP, Ilion Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels and was recognized by the Herkimer County Office for the Aging for Outstanding Contribution for Community Service in 2006. She was a long time member of the Ilion Memorial Post 920 American Legion Auxiliary, the Order of Eastern Star Valley Chapter, Village of Ilion Republican Committee and also served as an Election Inspector for the Town of German Flatts and Village of Ilion for many years. Judy was the Queen Mum of the “Red Hat Dolls of the Mohawk Valley” Society and so enjoyed everything she did. She loved swimming, going to rummage and garage sales and to the casino. She truly loved people, being around people and helping others and had a passion for hats and jewelry. Mrs. Steele leaves two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Harriet Steele of Coeur d’Alene, ID and Jeffrey and Sarah Steele of Eaton, NY; and four grandchildren, Ezekiel and his wife Whitney (Kona, Hawaii); Maggie and her husband Rob Parkinson (Kent, UK), Carolyn (Montreal, Canada) and Andrew (Eaton, NY). She also leaves several very special nieces and nephews who were so kind and loving to her. She was predeceased by her husband and infant daughter, and brother and sister-in-law Stanley and Olive Piper. She considered herself fortunate to have such helpful and caring neighbors and friends who always looked out for her. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service for Judy on Monday, December 16 at noon at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion. Rev. Victor McKusick will officiate. Friends may call from 10 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Judy’s memory to further the work of one of the many organizations she supported.