Maria Dion Steffy passed away on Saturday, September 20. She was born in Portland, Oregon, on November 23, 1971, the youngest child of Larry and Maureen Dion. The family moved back to Chico in 1972 and she has been a resident from that time, with the exception of two years spent with her mother in Stockton. Maria graduated from Notre Dame School in Chico, St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, and received her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, with a minor in art, and her teaching credential, from California State University, Chico. She used her talents while employed by Butte County Board of Education and Ophir School in Oroville. She married Joe Steffy (IV) in 1992. They divorced in 2000. A generous and loving spirit, Maria participated often in the Relay for Life in Chico, and the Color Run in the Bay area for the American Cancer Society. She also was a frequent volunteer at the Torres Shelter, the Humane Society and knitted many scarves for the Jesus Center. In addition to her parents, she leaves her children, Hannah Steffy and Joseph Henry Steffy (V). She was predeceased by two brothers who died in infancy, and also leaves her sister Mary Beth (Mamadou Waar), her brothers Dave (Camille) Dion and Michael (Nicole) Dion, in addition to 6 nieces and nephews. Maria’s children have suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Torres Shelter or to the American Cancer Society. Services will be held at Newton-Bracewell funeral Home on Friday, October 3, at 10 am, with burial to follow in Chico Cemetery.