Karla Stept
STEPT: On Monday, March 4, 2013, Karla Stept; Born May 12, 1918; Beloved mother of Peter (Toby) Geiringer. Proud grandmother of Julie (Andrew) Hamilton and Stephanie Geiringer and “Gagi” to all. Loving step-mother of Michael (Margaret) Stept. Beloved wife of the late Hans Geiringer, Joseph Behr and Raymond Stept, M.D. to whose extended family she was devoted. She was the loving meowmi of her cat, Mika. Karla was born in Vienna, Austria and escaped to Argentina on the last boat from Italy with forged papers. Her only child, Peter, was born in Argentina. In 1958, Karla and Peter followed Hans to Vienna and, upon Hans’ death, in 1960, Karla immigrated to New York City with Peter as a single parent. She rose from being a clerk to becoming Vice-President of Sales at Pfeffer and Simon Book Exporters, a division of Doubleday Books, her exclusive territory being South and Latin America. In 1966, she married Joseph Behr, but he died shortly thereafter. In 1979, about to become a Grand-mother, she took an early retirement to move to Pittsburgh to help raise Julie. She married Dr. Raymond Stept in 1985 and enjoyed many good years with him, caring for him at home when he fell ill. Karla was an active member of Rodef Shalom Congregation, chairing committees and volunteering in the Biblical Garden. She conducted twinning ceremonies for the Holocaust Center at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Her photograph and story were featured in the book “The Century” by Peter Jennings. Even at age 94, she remained interested in politics, history, opera and theater. She was an award-winning knitter and master needle-pointer. She was a voracious reader who organized the library at Schenley Gardens. For years, Karla chaired the Resident Council there and she initiated the Holiday Fund. She was jokingly referred to as the “Mayor of Schenley Gardens.” Karla was a devoted and caring person who passionately loved her family and maintained her friendships across decades and continents. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Entombment Homewood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Attn: Fundraising, 1 North Linden Street, Duquesne, PA 15110. www.schugar.com
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