Mourners Bid Farewell to Mara Steves, Mother, Wife, Friend

On a gray, dreary February afternoon, more than 400 people gathered at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar to pay their last respects to Mara Lynn Steves, 48, who died Sunday after being that officials have confirmed ran a red light. 

The mother of two was on the sidewalk at the intersection of Moulton Parkway and Nueva Vista, not far from her home. She was kneeling, holding back a dog she had rescued from traffic.

Well-wishers began arriving at 1:30 p.m. at the cemetery, which features lush grounds that reach as far back as the eye can see. One might find the scenery reminiscent of the hills and valleys in "The Sound of Music."  Actor John Wayne is buried here. There is also an area called the 'Garden of Valor,' where veterans and firefighters are laid to rest.

People from all walks of life arrived clutching Kleenex and each other as they made their way into the small chapel that holds only 170 people. Mourners included Marian Bergeson, the namesake of the elementary school where Steves spent so much of her time, and many children.

The small chapel filled quickly, and many took their places on the floor, against the walls, anywhere they could find. Those who didn't make it into the chapel listened to the service in the hallway or just outside the door in the drizzle. The service was led by Rabbis Boruch Rabinowitz and Gersh Zylberman.

Mara’s husband, John, was the first to address the crowd.

“Mara loved everyone and I am glad she touched the lives of every one of you. There are no words to truly describe the love Mara and I had. Mara was my soul mate. The day I met her, my life was changed forever. I knew she was a very special woman, beautiful looks, sparkling blue eyes that were full of life. We fell in love; we were married, and then were blessed with two loving children–Hannah and Jonathan. They became the greatest joy in her life, born 11 months apart."

Mara and John had celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary on Feb. 13, the night before she was killed.

"Mara distinctly became supermom, she relished that role.  [The children] were like twins, she had one on each hip. She never went anywhere without them. Her great sense of humor and infectious laugh filled our home each and every day. [I felt like]  a king because of her loving, golden heart. That was the trait that I loved so much about her. She made this world a beautiful place to live, not just for herself, but everyone. She was my queen and she was my life.”

Son Jonathan spoke next.

“My mom was like an angel, selfless as can be and most of all the best mom ever. One thing she told me was to never give up unless you fell down and hurt yourself and you had to.”

Marla Shaw, who had known Steves since childhood, spoke of her friend's giving nature.

“She had a beauty. She helped mentally ill patients from all walks of life as a social worker after college and she was so good at it. Everyone loved her … she treated everyone equally. She loved hearts, collected them, and she had the biggest heart of all. She loved animals and taught people how to properly take care of animals."

A neighbor of Steves' for 12 years called her "a force of nature, a hurricane, a Tasmanian devil who was always busy, always swirling around and so full of kindness, wisdom, passion and love. She didn’t only save stray animals, she saved stray people. I met her when I had just moved in as a single mother with a stressful career. She was always there for me.”

Sister Gwen also spoke and relived moments when the siblings spent their childhood in Newport Beach, eating at the Crab Cooker, lunching at the Balboa Bay Club snack bar, taking ferry rides to Balboa Island and drinking malts at Ruby’s.

"She gave back and helped others, just like she was doing on Sunday when she tried to save a dog. She always said how important it is to give back.

"I hope you will never forget Mara and remember my dear sister with all of your fond memories. They say strength comes in numbers, so I ask all of you to find strength. I hope all of you will help to carry on her memory.”