Joan Seifert

Virginia Joan Seifert was born in Refugio, Texas, on July 26, 1935, to George and Virginia Strauch. In 1940, her family moved to San Antonio, where Joan would spend much of her life. Joan graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio in 1953 and continued her education at The University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1957. It was a fitting choice for a woman who loved words, literature, and especially poetry—and who would eventually become a published poet herself.

On April 19, 1958, Joan married A.J. Seifert. Together, they built a life filled with family, work, adventure, and plenty of stories to tell. She and A.J. lived and worked in Bay City, Texas, and Houston, Texas, and in 1969, they moved with their three children to San Antonio, where she became involved in their family real estate rental business.

Joan was involved in organizations that reflected her love of Texas, literature, children, and her community. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Delta Gamma, the Gibbons Literary Society, the Association of Texas Pioneers, and St. Joseph’s Children’s Home Auxiliary. As a lifelong lover of words and literature, Joan found joy in writing poetry. She was proud to become a published poet, leaving behind words that offer a glimpse into her thoughtful and creative spirit.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, A.J. Seifert; her sons, Dr. Stephen Seifert and James Seifert; her daughter-in-law, Wanda Seifert; her brother, George Strauch; her grandson, Logan Seifert; and her great-granddaughter, Olivia Buckley.

She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Seifert Beere, and husband, James; grandchildren Theresea Seifert Buckley and husband, Chris; Claire Seifert Gray and husband, Robert; Caleb Seifert; Colette Seifert; Blake Beere; Leif Seifert; Leah Seifert, and their mother, Sandy Seifert; as well as seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan’s life was rich with family, friendships, work, writing, history, and countless memories. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, service, and family—and, through her poetry, a piece of herself that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, St. Pius X Catholic Church (3303 Urban Crest Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78209), followed by a reception and then interment at Mission Burial Park North.