Winnie Steele (née Hayward) was born in Williamstown in 1892 to George Winnock and Phoebe Hayward (née Niel). The family later settled at Ettrick in Studley Park, Kew.

In 1937 Winnie married Headmaster H. G. Steele, and maintained a long and active association with the School both before and after her marriage. She contributed generously through fundraising, organising fetes, and volunteering in the tuckshop.

Beyond the School, Winnie had a deep love of the performing arts and choral music, and for many years was a dedicated member of the Kew Baptist Church choir.