Marika Rose Steir
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Marika Rose Steir passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Thursday morning, October 28, 2021, following complications from pneumonia. Shortly after birth on September 6, 1986, she contracted meningitis resulting in multiple disabilities including being non ambulatory and non-verbal. Nevertheless, her intelligence, courage and spirit allowed her to be a pioneer for rights of people with disabilities. She was one of the first students with disabilities to attend Atkinson Academy and go on to be the first student to be mainstreamed at Timberlane Regional Middle and High Schools. She then went on to have a flourishing career supporting the elderly at her family's business, Senior Class Adult Day Care in Hampstead, NH.
As a result of being fully integrated and loved by her peers and teachers in the Timberlane Regional School District, she excelled academically and was a remarkable cheerleader from her wheelchair for the district's football teams. Blessed with a charismatic personality and infectious smile, she made many friends around the world during her foreign travels. Her most remarkable trip was to Japan where she was invited to do a 14-day, ten city educational lecture tour with her mom and aunt which helped improve the lives of hundreds of children by speaking about full inclusion of people with disabilities into the Japanese society.
Her favorite tee shirt read 'while I may not be able to speak, that doesn't mean I have nothing to say'. She became an inspiration to hundreds of people as she challenged stereotypes and conquered many obstacles. Marika was a guest speaker with Senator Shaheen at the Kennedy School of Government and Politics as well as at numerous UNH classrooms. Her voice for inclusion and disability rights will resonate in the halls of buildings and minds of people for a long time to come.
Marika leaves behind her father Michael Steir of Windham; her mother Linda Steir and partner Paul Antonellis; her best friend and aunt, Sharon Bateman; her brother Morgan Steir and his wife Kate and Marika's nephew Benjamin and niece Evelyn Rose of Reading, MA. She also leaves behind her Aunt Rita and Uncle Stanley Spiegelman; Aunt Patti and Uncle Raymond Bateman; and cousins Robbie, Audrey, Susan and David and their families.
In lieu of flowers, in celebration of Marika's courage and advancements for others who face extraordinary challenges, contributions may be made to the Community Crossroads Family Support Council at 8 Commerce Drive, Atkinson, NH 03811.
All are welcome to attend the Service to be held on Sunday, October 31st at 10 am at the Carrier Family Funeral Home located at 38 Range Road (Route 111), Windham, NH 03087. Burial will follow at the Atkinson Cemetery, 118 NH Route 121 (Main Street), Atkinson, NH. All are welcome to attend or they may proceed directly to Marika's home in Atkinson, NH to meet with family and friends for a luncheon.
Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.