Margaret Siegert

Peggy was born on October 15, 1934, to Frank and Dorothy Vest. Growing up on her family’s farm in Tuscola, IL, she developed a lifelong love for nature, animals, and the outdoors. She attended The University of Illinois, where she joined Chi Omega Sorority, earned a degree in Education, and met the love of her life, Rudy Siegert. After graduation, she enjoyed teaching elementary school before devoting herself to raising her family.

Peggy spent nearly 50 years in Slidell, LA, where she became deeply involved in her community through organizations including Junior Auxiliary, the Petroleum Women’s Club, Ozone Camelia Club, the Garden Club of Slidell and The Northshore Bird Club. Her greatest passion, however, was the natural world. She transformed her backyard into a sanctuary for birds and wildlife and delighted in sharing that passion with others. She also taught birding classes at the YMCA, which led to her founding the Northshore Bird Club in 1994.

An adventurous spirit, Peggy traveled throughout the United States and around the world, always eager to discover new places, people, wildlife, and experiences. Whether she was birdwatching close to home or exploring a distant destination, she approached life with curiosity and wonder.

Of all her accomplishments, Peggy was proudest of her family. She and Rudy were the foundation of a family whose love, strength, and values continue to shape generations. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carry forward the values she lived every day: curiosity, resilience, generosity, and an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us.

Peggy is survived by her children, Rudy (Sherri) Siegert and Kary Siegert; her grandchildren Jeron Siegert, Renee Bauman, Drew Underwood, Nick Siegert, Bret (Emily) Underwood, and Grace (Matthew) Smith as well as many great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends whose lives she touched.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Rudy Siegert, her twins, Ann (Andy) Siegert Underwood and Amy Siegert; and her parents, Frank Wesley Vest and Dorothy Scoggin Vest.

She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years. It lives on in the family she nurtured, the friendships she cherished, the birds she loved to watch, and the countless memories she shared around kitchen tables, family gatherings, and adventures both near and far. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to soar wherever birds gather, stories are shared, and family comes together.

There will be a private service. However, if you wish to make a donation in honor of Peggy, please consider the Louisiana Ornithological Society - http://losbird.org/join.php - click the donate button and choose how you would like to honor her. Donations can also be mailed to: LOS Treasurer, 5655 Hickory Ridge Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70817.