Yesterday I hung this on a wall in my new house.  We bought this in Galina at a pottery shop.  It was the last time the four of us were together.  It was a great visit and every time I look at this piece I smile. 
Love you Dennis,
Judy





Still in our hearts. We find joy when we remember you and our times together.
Don, Cindy, Dylan and Daniel

Our hearts and condolences go out to cousin Denni, their children and grandchildren.

 Beth was the most vivacious, friendly, funny, compassionate lady. You always knew when you were with Beth you’d laugh so hard, eat great food.  and feel so welcome. 

If anyone knows the Siegel gender history, it’s boys, boys boys ! We know because Beth already had two boys when we had our first child. Of course a boy! 

We won’t forget when Beth was  pregnant with Jon, we were expecting our second child. She looked at me and said “ You’re having a boy, because Siegels only have boys! “ Well , we had the first girl in 65 years (since Aunt Dorothy)! 
Who do you think our first phone call was to....not our patents or siblings, but Dennis and Beth! Oh yeah, Siegel’s can have girls! We broke the tradition. And Beth has 3 granddaughters and cousins Scott and Jody Siegel have a girl! 

Love you, Beth.  Rest In Peace. 

In 1971 Merrill and I moved to Chicago and one of the first people that Merrill met was Beth as they both worked for the Skokie JCC.  Although 85 percent of the staff turned over in the first year, it was the beginning of a long lasting and meaningful friendship between the four of us. We share alot of history and so many fun filled memories from boating to biking to spending many hannukahs and passovers together (not necessarily on the correct dates).  We have enjoyed seeing the boys grow up and start their own families and have seen the joy that has brought you.  We had a wonderful last visit with Beth and Dennis. Beth had wanted to go to Cape Cod and we made plans to meet them there but as it turned out Beth was not up to the trip and asked if we would come to Chicago instead and of course we came and went together to Galena for the week.  It was a lovely week of catching up and remembering.  Beth has left a lasting legacy for all of us to hold on to.  Beth was certainly one of a kind.  We have been fortunate to call her friend.  Say hi to Merrill for me.
Love you all,
Judy

Beth was my dear friend.  We met in 1981 when my family moved onto her block and our 5-year-old sons decided to have a standoff across the street from each other…we assumed that Jason was asserting his domination of the old guard and Evan was asserting his new guy status.  They eventually forged a truce, and Beth and I laughed about it and shared a bond from then on.
Beth was one of the most creative and driven teachers I ever knew.  We spent many hours discussing our educational philosophies…the similarities and the differences.  She came from the experience of the gifted.  I came from the experience of special needs.  Our opinions were always enriched by these discussions.  I feel so lucky to have had her for that. 
Sadly, this past year Beth and I communicated very infrequently, and only by phone or text.  I didn’t get to see her or say goodbye, but I have so many wonderful memories that will be with me forever.  I can still hear her kvelling about her family as she shared each bit of good news…engagements, marriages, grandchildren.  I can still feel the presence she commanded when telling a story.  I have photos of so many of my family’s rites of passage that she and Denny were a part of.
Howie and I send our condolences to Dennis, Jason and Devon, Ryan and Tiffani, Jon and Barrett, and the entire family.  Our dear friend is greatly missed.


Bob and I met Beth out in Galena.  She was a force to be reckoned with but always gentle and kind.  When she spoke people listened because she always began with a compliment.  You could not help but be drawn to Beth and her courage was awe-inspiring.  Her love for her family was endless and she always spoke glowingly about her husband, children, and grandchildren.  We wish we could have been friends longer but knowing Beth and her all-encompassing love will be a balm to our hearts.  Love to Dennis and her family.  

Beth was my mentor, my dear friend. She is the most gifted educator I have ever known. She touched the lives of every child who was blessed to be in her classroom. She had a giant heart and loved fiercely. When we taught together she was always a bright spot in my day. She brought loud singing, animated conversation, and joy...so much joy...into my life.  I loved Beth with all my heart and I will miss her dearly but I am so thankful for the time I had with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys, Dennis.  

We have come to know Beth and Dennis in the last few years.  We know Beth as a very gracious and decent person with much joy and   compassion for everyone she encounters.  Our deepest sympathy to Dennis and the entire family.  

My sister Beth, like our dad, lit up the room when she entered.
Her love and charisma embraced and enhanced all who had
the joyous experience of her presence, her joy and her caring love.
She leaves a void that can only be filled by loving memories and the many gifts of her passion for family, teaching, and improving the world and all who she truly touched with her gifts, joy and love.

My family will never forget how she made us feel better, loved
and uplifted, forever changed by her being a uniquely wonderful
aunt, sister in law, and sister. I know she looks down from Heaven on all of us, still guiding us forward, and enhancing our
joys and life. Thank you, Beth, for being you and giving to all of us!


Beth - or as we called her then - Mama Siegs was one of the coolest moms. She was always so fun to talk to when we would come over in high school and she even hosted our senior year post-homecoming sleepover in her basement. I will miss her laugh and absolute joy in listening to the silly adventures we got into in high school, and her delight in her three sons. 

Our hearts goes out to our brother and brother-in-law Dennis, the boys, and their loved ones. As Dennis's brother I knew Beth from the time they started dating when they were 15 years old. Beth was the center of the family. Her extroverted and gregarious personality provided the spark, the humor and enthusiasm that was the center of the family. I can't imagine Dennis without Beth. Our hearts are heavy with grief and sorrow. 

I was trying to be the unassuming kid in elementary school. Don't make waves. Blend in. Until Mrs. Siegel entered the building. Adam. ADAM!, she would call down the hallway. There was no blending in when you were with Beth Siegel. I admired her approach to life and the joy and humor she brought to any situation. She was such a wonderful friend to our family and will be greatly missed. 

How does one share a lifetime of memories? I first met Beth as she drove around the corner in her big Cadillac!  We were instant 
friends!  At that time, Beth and Den had two sons the same ages as our two boys.
At that moment we became inseparable.  and...I literally mean we spent everyday together.  We spent Hanukkah with neighbors at the Siegel house.  Beth was so creative with a personality larger than life.  We celebrated and laughed til our faces hurt.  
Personally, my daily life was made up of the kids and what Beth and I were doing during school hours.  We did all of our errands together on a daily basis.  We were stopped in the stores and asked if we were sisters or a told we should go into comedy.  We never stopped laughing.  However, we also shared our tears.  We shared every lifetime event including the births of our third sons.
We then enjoyed each others grandchildren. 
Years later we spent fun Halloweens at their Galena home.  
Beth was a cherished and loved teacher who brought so much light and learning into her students lives.  
 Our larger than life friend will leave a hole that will never be filled.  She will live in our hearts forever.  
Beth, we love you and will miss you.

Sending my deepest condolences to you all. I will always remember the first time I met Gummy when I ran into her at Fink Park with Isabelle. She had brought a ton of playground games and sand toys and got the kids playing games together. Harry and Isabelle were only 2 years old at the time and she was a master at getting them to play together in the sweetest way! Beth was so engaging and fun to talk to. We will all miss seeing her at Isabelle and Avery’s events! Sending lots of hugs and love to you all,
Sarah, Scott & Harry Hirsch

Dear Dennis ....and all your wonderful boys...and family....

I am so deeply saddened to read of Beth's passing --- we shared years of great joy as all our little boys grew --- time passed and life took us all in different directions...but the last years brought us together again to share in some of the highlights in our
 lives....Beth was a great source of laughter and comfort always -- her strong laugh and great grin will always be missed.....I wish you all peace as you embark on this sad journey ..she is irreplaceable.

Sandy Raphael

First  and foremost Beth's love and pride she had for her family. 
I know your hearts are broken. I hope all the memories from cuddles. holidays, where your love of learning started and more bring you some comfort. 
My sincere condolences.


Beth was the best and  dearest of friends and a trusted confidant. She filled my heart with her love, joy, humor and compassion. Along with the outgoing and extroverted Beth was the most warm, sincere, kind and empathetic friend. To my sons, Beth was always the fun and caring “Mrs Siegel” who was truly bigger than life.
She was an exemplary teacher not only to her students but to all her friends. Her views on current events, child rearing, and educational philosophy kept us all engaged. 
Our PTA years were challenging and enjoyable. I smile remembering kitchen table conferences and Fun Fair planning and fundraising. Of course Beth always thought of the best games. Her teaching skills were challenged when our district eliminated the art program during a budgetary crisis. The PTA supported our development of an art history curriculum to fill the temporary void. Beth sculpted a “hands on” overview of “Art History Through the Centuries “. With her guidance and support students produced cave drawings as well as pointillism portraits. Her creativity was endless.
I will always remember with happiness our lunches, lists, book recommendations for my grandchildren and joyous life cycle events. I am truly thankful and exceptionally fortunate to have so many wonderful memories. I will greatly miss sharing our life experiences and the  unwavering support and friendship that she provided me through our winding journey of life.
May her memory be a blessing and may she Rest In Peace.

We knew Beth for many years but never close enough to know all the  joys that she shared with others.  She was our brother-in-laws sister and whenever we did see her it was always very pleasant.  My husband and I always saw Beth with a smile, a generous offer of something to eat or drink and a very pleasant visit.  When we were told of her passing we were very sad. Our heart goes out to those she left behind and hope her memories will live on forever in their hearts.

RIP,

 Carmela and Howard Miller 

BETH - my husband's beloved sister, my own sister and dear friend for over 35 years, aunt extraordinaire to my two sons.                      Beth welcomed me into her family in her typical way (if you've ever been welcomed by Beth you know what I mean) the decibel was large, the hug was enormous, the laughter continuous, contagious and deafening, the "Love" all encompassing.
Is there any wonder that there is a huge hole in my heart at the loss of her physical presence in my life? Beth - always larger than life will forever remain lovingly in my memory.
Our family looks forward to continuing rejoicing, honoring and memorializing Beth along with Dennis, Jason, Ryan, Jon and their families - her pride, her joy, her very own living legacy of love.

One of my favorite memories of Beth is the time we joined the Siegel family for Passover at Beth and Dennis's house. The food was wonderful and plentiful, of course, the company lively and welcoming, and Beth's school-teacher approach to the Seder, including toy frogs and other fun props, made it even more memorable. Whether in Highland Park or Galena, Beth always made me, Matt and our kids feel as though we could make ourselves comfortable in her home. That's a rare gift and she will be greatly missed.

OBITUARY

Beth A. Siegel

19 July, 1945 – 30 April, 2020

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders