Beth Jeanne Pickering

There isn’t a good way to summarize the incredible woman Beth Pickering was.

You can’t adequately describe a life filled with anticipation for the next African safari, the next cruise to the Galápagos, the next Angels game, Zumba flash mob, or animal rescue in just a few paragraphs.

Even this tribute can’t capture the full and adventurous life she lived over 77 years.

Beth, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 10, 1949, to Norman and Fran Siegel. The oldest of eight siblings, she grew up alongside Lynn Siegel (Jeff), Sherri Parman (Nader), Dana Siegel, Devra Staneart (Bruce), Larry Siegel, Stephanie Siegel, and Errol Siegel, all of whom will miss her dearly. She was also very close to cousins from Chicago who now live across the U.S. and in Israel. One special cousin, Rod Schar, fondly remembers how they often double-dated and were each other’s dates on otherwise dateless Friday nights. She has three nieces and two nephews from Florida to Washington, including Georgia and Idaho in between who were also a big part of her life.

Competitive and disciplined from an early age, she always ranked 1st in her elementary school classes and graduated top ten of her high school class of over 700 students. She was a voracious reader and a lifelong learner.  She loved photography and workings of computers.  She was also an accomplished knitter.  She never backed down from a challenge.  

Graduating from USC in California, Beth went on to build a career as a lawyer, first at the law firm of Paul Hastings, then internally with the Federal Government, finishing her career on the legal counsel team at Southern California Edison before retiring.

Retirement, however, was never about slowing down. Beth filled her days with purpose, energy, and compassion. She participated in Zumba, served on her HOA Board, volunteered at the Irvine Animal Care Center, rescued wildlife in need and transported them to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, and worked as a volunteer tax processor at the Irvine Senior Center. Whether helping people or caring for animals, Beth had a generous heart and a desire to make a difference.

Beth and her beloved husband, Marc, celebrated 24 years of marriage in 2026. They met as members of a Southern California singles social group. When they first started going out, just the two of them, they often expressed guilt for dating outside the singles group!

Their life together included a shared love of sports, adventures, and animals. Their beloved dogs, Laker and Angel, were part of their story, followed later by Sully and Blossom. Their dogs were more than just animals; they were family and part of the life Beth and Marc built together.

During the past year, Beth faced health challenges with remarkable determination. Strong-willed and adventurous, she refused to let her health keep her from living life to the fullest. In true Beth fashion, she even went on an African safari and attended Angels Spring training camp in Arizona.

Beth passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026. She and Marc were just two days away from departing on a European cruise they had been looking forward to sharing together.

Beth leaves behind her husband, Marc; her beloved Blossom; her siblings; extended family; and countless friends whose lives were touched by hers.

A Memorial Service will be held for Beth, at Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa, Ana California on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 1 pm, followed by a reception.

All are invited.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center or Working Wardrobes Career Success Center.

links can be found below.