Meropi (Tantsi) Steve, a radiant soul whose warmth, laughter, and boundless capacity for love touched everyone she met, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 11:35 PM, at Aultman Alliance Hospital. She was 85 years old.

Born on February 7, 1941, in picturesque Arhangelos, Macedonia, Greece, to her late parents Christos and Andonia (Chena) Tantsi, Meropi carried the beauty of her homeland in her spirit throughout her life. After graduating from high school in Greece, she dedicated her early years to nurturing others—first through her work in the medical field, and later as a kindergarten teacher. Following her move to the United States, she warmly shared that same nurturing spirit with the students and staff of Mount Union College, where she worked in food service for many years.

Meropi was a truly well-traveled woman who embraced the world with curiosity and grace. Whether she was tending to her vibrant garden, whipping up a comforting meal in the kitchen, dancing to joyful music, or weaving love into every stitch of her crochet and knitting projects, she poured her entire heart into everything she did. Above all else, Meropi cherished children and found her greatest purpose in helping people. Her hands were never idle, and her heart was never closed.

While her departure leaves an ache that words can hardly capture, her family takes comfort in the extraordinary legacy of love she leaves behind. She is survived by her devoted children, George (Lisa) Stevenson of Minerva, Chris (Fonda) Steve of Alliance, and Theo (Alicia) Steve of Boardman. She also leaves behind 3 loving siblings, 7 adored grandchildren, and 5 precious great-grandchildren, who will forever carry the sparkle of her spirit.

Meropi is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents and 4 siblings who preceded her in death.

Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate the beautiful, full life Meropi lived on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, located at 4705 Fairhaven Ave NW, Canton, Ohio 44709. Burial will directly follow the service at Highland Memorial Park, 264 S 12th St., Beloit, Ohio 44609.

Though our eyes are filled with tears for the space she leaves behind, 

our hearts overflow with gratitude for the years we shared with her. 

May her memory be eternal, and may her gentle dance continue on in heaven.