Obituary of Hilda Mercedes Steinhauer

On September 20, 2023, Hilda Mercedes “Meche” Steinhauer (Castro) peacefully went to heaven while surrounded by her family.  Meche’s story began in Zaña, Peru, on December 18, 1957. Meche's life was a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering strength.

 

At 19, Meche married Enrique Jorge Ugas in Peru, and together they raised a beautiful family, welcoming (3) three children into the world: Enrique Jorge, Maria Cristina, and Juan Pablo. They later moved to California, where they expanded their family with a fourth child, Maria Teresa, before eventually settling in Florida.

 

Tragedy struck in 1988 when Meche, while pregnant with their fifth child, Jose Antonio, faced the profound loss of her husband. Despite this immense loss, she showed incredible determination in providing and caring for her children.

 

Meche then moved to Washington where she started a new chapter with her young children. While there, she began attending a nearby Christian church; a pivotal moment that introduced her to Jesus, transforming her life forever. Despite the heartache of losing her husband, she found hope and healing through her faith in Jesus. Shortly thereafter, she met Robert Steinhauer, a fellow single parent who had one son from a previous marriage, Jack, and shared the same passion for the Lord. Their bond blossomed, leading to marriage in 1992, and together they nurtured and raised an additional (5) five children: Nathanael, Samuel, Benjamin, Grace, and Bobby (Robert).

 

Throughout her life Meche was known for her family, her garden, and her deep affection for the Lord.  She loved having a large family, and she cherished being a grandmother. She also loved gardening and envisioning the potential every new season held for her plantings.  Like a sanctuary, her garden provided a place of peace and quiet where she was able to worship and pray for those she loved.  Meche's kindness mirrored the compassion and love she felt from Jesus, and she embodied this by giving generously without hesitation or expectation, exemplifying true charity and selflessness.

 

Meche's passions also extended beyond her home. Traveling held a special place in her heart and, alongside her family, she explored the world and used these experiences as opportunities for ministering to those she encountered. Just as she nurtured her garden, she invested in nurturing and encouraging others’ faith. Sharing her faith became her joy and her purpose.

 

Her life, lived with an abundance of love and laughter, leaves a void for all whom she regularly and tightly embraced. Yet, her profound message and purpose—loving Jesus and cherishing family—has been fulfilled. She leaves behind her husband, eleven children, and fourteen grandchildren. Despite her passing, her legacy of love and faithfulness endures with all who knew and loved her.

 

A memorial will be held at Victory Fellowship in Auburn, WA on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 1 PM.