As Marian Steinhoff prepares to celebrate her 103rd birthday this month, she was asked about the secret ingredient for a long and healthy life.
Steinhoff, a resident of the Good Samaritan Society-Water Valley, had one word: God.
It was a fitting response, given the central role faith has played throughout her life. However, as we got to know Marian, we began to believe there could be two ingredients to this special woman’s enduring good nature and vitality: God and Giving.
Because Marian has approached life with a giving heart for the better part of a century, touching the lives of people, families and communities across generations with her kindness and generosity.
God and Giving — the secret sauce, indeed.
A Place for Faith and Community
Steinhoff and her late husband, Harold, moved to Water Valley in 2008 and were among the first residents to call the campus home. They quickly became active members of the Good Sam family, building community and forging treasured friendships through their participation in various resident activities.
According to Water Valley Chaplain Mark Langness, the couple were drawn to the Good Samaritan Society because of its Christian heritage.
“They have been heavily involved in the spiritual ministry of the community, attending daily Christian devotionals and Sunday Worship Services, as well as serving on resident committees,” Langness said.
Grateful Hearts, Giving for Good
Seeing the Society’s impact on their own health and spiritual fulfillment, Marian and Harold made the decision to step forward in philanthropy to help advance the mission of the Good Samaritan Society through donations to the Society’s Foundation.
Over the years, their generosity has touched the lives of residents and families in beautiful ways. Their support of Water Valley’s outdoor prayer garden offers a quiet place for prayer and reflection, while other gifts have helped fuel resident and family support programs, furnishing enhancements and global outreach programs.
In recognition of her continuous generosity, Marian was recently recognized as a member of the Good Samaritan Foundation’s Honors Society, a growing community of donors who have given significant gifts over their lifetimes.
Ali Hofer serves as vice president for the Good Samaritan Foundation. She called Marian an inspiration.
“We could all learn so much from Marian — a woman whose faith serves as her compass and whose generosity is truly genuine and heartfelt. For Marian, every day is about kindness and love. What a beautiful way to approach life,” Hofer said. “We couldn’t be more grateful for all the ways in which she and Harold have supported the Good Samaritan Society over the years.”
Langness agreed.
“Marian continues to be a beloved active member of the Chapel congregation. Her long life is a shining testimony of her faith in Jesus Christ and she is a blessing to all who know her,” he said. “We are so thankful to have her call our community her home.”
From all of us at the Good Samaritan Society and Good Samaritan Foundation, Happy Birthday, Marian!