Annie Marie Matias Siegel

When Annie Marie Siegel walked into the room, those in her company felt energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Annie was and how she impacted those around her. Annie was a clever and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Annie wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Annie was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve her well throughout her life.

She was the daughter of Louis and Mary Pustka Matias. Annie was raised in Texas. Always at the ready with a good joke, she grew up to be quite a humorous person. While some who knew Annie might describe her as an idealist, her friends and family understood well that Annie was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to her.

Annie was raised with seven siblings. Annie was very accepting and supportive of her family. She was perceived as the central person in her family in terms of keeping communication open between the family members. Whenever discord or tension arose within the home, Annie was typically the member who brought about resolution and harmony. These traits served Annie well in her adult life and, along with her wit, outgoing personality, and understanding of others, drew the admiration of many who knew her.

On October 22, 1946 Annie married Bernard J. Siegel, Sr. at St. James Catholic Church of Gonzales, Texas. Annie's skill at “building bridges” played an important role in her ability to make her new family happy. She was quite sensitive towards Bernard's needs, showing her constant concern and fondness. Annie was tenderhearted and sensitive, qualities that served her well in helping to nurture her family.

Annie was a natural and creative parent who was willing to provide her family with all sorts of new and interesting experiences. For Annie, parenting was a particularly enjoyable and pleasurable part of her life. Every activity, from chores to bedtime routines, became a game in the Siegel home. Annie's skill at understanding her children's feelings, her sensitivity to their needs, and her gift for gentle persuasion enabled her to find novel solutions to any problem or situation that might crop up. Annie was blessed with four children: on daughter, Jeanette Kloesel ; 3 sons, Bernie Siegel, Anthony Siegel and Jon Siegel. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Lori J. Yoakum, Kevin Kloesel, Jason Kloesel, Shadra Pastucha, Clayton Siegel and Jared Siegel and one great-grandchild, Brendan Yoakum.

Because Annie loved to have a broad variety of activities in her life, she took advantage of the opportunity to pursue numerous hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening and especially enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Annie had a knack for being able to multi-task in order to create time for all of her favorite pastimes. However, Annie's ever-present concern for others always took precedent.

Throughout her life, Annie was actively involved in professional and community organizations. She was compassionate, accommodating and quick to move into action. Always able to build a consensus, Annie seemed to be the person smack dab in the middle of things, working to get things done. Those who had the opportunity to work with Annie usually agreed that when you were involved in an organization with her, it was as entertaining as anything you could imagine. Throughout her later years, Annie was an active member of the SS Cyril & Methodist Catholic Church, American Legion. V. F. W. And KJZT.

Annie was a woman who was dedicated and devoted to her faith. She was a member of SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner. She was sympathetic and able to empathize with others and she used these qualities to the fullest while working tirelessly for her beliefs.

She adapted and, like everything in her life, made it satisfying. Because she was such a flexible person and able to adjust to any situation, retirement was just another enjoyable change of pace for Annie to master. Annie enjoyed spending time in her garden. Even in retirement, Annie continued to stay in touch with her old friends and like always, made plenty of new ones.

Annie Siegel passed away on February 24, 2011 at Shiner Nursing and Rehab in Shiner, Texas. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanette Kloesel and husband, Edward of Shiner; sons, Bernie Siegel of Shiner, Anthony Siegel and wife, Rachel of Hallettsvile and Jon Siegel and wife, Jacke of Spring, Texas. Services were held at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, Texas. Annie was laid to rest in Shiner Catholic Cemetery in Shiner, Texas.

There was always a certain style and inventiveness to Annie. She was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. She had a knack for being clever, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. While she was often fiercely independent, it seemed as if many others looked to Annie Siegel for inspiration, leadership, wisdom and even courage. Annie was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with her loved ones.