Blossom Ruth Steingraph

December 17, 1935 - August 16, 2021

Blossom Ruth Steingraph, of Austin, Texas, a devoted mother and cherished friend to so many, passed away on August 16, 2021, at age 85. Blossom was born December 17, 1935 in Boston, Mass. to Cantor Melvin and Frances Schwartz. Raised and educated in Boston, she graduated from Boston Teacher's College and Hebrew Teacher's College. Blossom married Dr. Hy Steingraph, PhD, and had two children, Seth Lee and Elana Joy. Together they moved to Chicago, then Baltimore before calling Austin home in 1974. Blossom loved Austin. Here she was a Hebrew school teacher, Travis County probation officer, and for over 15 years a hard working realtor. But to Blossom, her most important job was being an extraordinary mother. Blossom loved spending time with her many, many friends and made friends wherever she went. She was very active at the "J" otherwise known as the Jewish Community Center, whether it was attending events, swimming with her much loved Starfish swim group, or volunteering, as she did often, with joy. Blossom's connection to Judaism was extremely important throughout her life. She especially loved all the Jewish holidays, celebrations and customs. She was a long time member of Congregation Agudas Achim and spoke fluent Hebrew. Blossom had many creative interests including pottery making, jewelry creations and beading, sewing, seashells and treasure hunting. She found great joy in tending to her precious cactus, succulents and plants. Blossom was always an extremely devoted mother, always available to help, listen, advise and mentor. For over twenty five years, Blossom enjoyed spending time and helping at her daughter Lani's gift shop, where all the customers loved her. Blossom and Lani spent valuable time together as mother and daughter. Blossom also loved her sweet adoring cat Zeecee, who was her faithful companion. The beach was always Blossom's favorite place, and along with her son, Seth, took frequent trips to the Texas and California coasts, as well as cruises to Alaska and Hawaii. She enjoyed all forms of travel and visited many wonderful places and states. She also visited Israel twice, where she enjoyed being able to practice her Hebrew. Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the multitude of people who have helped ou​r mother over the years with kindness, grace and compassion. Blossom is survived by her children Seth Steingraph of California, Elana (Lani) Steingraph (Bud Spafford) of Austin, TX and brother Barry Dov Schwartz (Sonia Schwartz) of Long Island, NY. I lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: · The Jewish Community Center of Austin (www.shalomaustin.org/tributes) · AGE of Central Texas (https://ageofcentraltx.org/) · Drive a Senior ATX (https://www.driveasenioratx.org/).