Margaret M. Siegrist

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret M. Siegrist (nee O’Brien) of Wayne, NJ.

Margaret passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025 while receiving the loving care of her family.  She was born and raised in the West Village of Manhattan.  Margaret was one of nine children to Patrick and Annie O’Brien, and those who came to know Margaret affectionately referred to her as Peggy. She was part of a group in our country’s society known as “The Greatest Generation.”

As a young girl growing up in the West Village, Peggy spent her summers at Orchard Beach with her friends and family.  Her parents would erect a small cottage where they would stay at the beach for the summer then dismantle it at the end of the season.  She attended a high school on the West Side of Manhattan and continued on at Mary Mount College in New York.  Peggy accepted a position with the City of New York as an Administrative Assistant where she met her future husband, Bill.

Surrounded by family and friends, Peggy and Bill sealed their love in marriage on July 11, 1953, beginning a lifelong journey together filled with devotion, companionship, and cherished memories.  They were married in St Bernard’s RC Church in the City and settled in Riverdale, NY.  While residing in Riverdale, Peggy and Bill welcomed the birth of all four of their children, Mary Beth, Peggy, Bill, and Christine.  In 1964, as the family grew, Peggy and Bill moved their family from the city to Wayne, NJ.  They called Wayne their home for the rest of their lives together and raised all four of their children there.

Shortly after getting married, Peggy made the decision to become a full-time homemaker, dedicating her life to nurturing and caring for her family.  Peggy had a talent for sewing, knitting, and baking. She created beautiful handmade items. Peggy’s talent and creativity excelled in every piece she made, leaving lasting gifts for her friends and family.  She was also a talented and accomplished baker and was famous with family and friends for her cookies, especially her Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Aside from her talents, interests, and hobbies, Peggy’s greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Peggy than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She and her husband Bill cherished fifty-two years of loyal and loving marriage together until Bill’s passing in November of 2005.   Peggy was not only dedicated to her family but also to her Catholic Faith.   She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church where she was extremely active.  Peggy was on several church committees throughout her time at Our Lady of the Valley and was a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound and lunch mother for the church’s school.  She was also a volunteer at DePaul Catholic High School for several years.  Peggy was also devoted to her community where she was truly loved by friends and neighbors.

Peggy cherished the joy of summer adventures with her children, creating unforgettable memories at some of New York’s most beloved destinations. She would pack up for trips to Coney Island, where the kids reveled in the thrill of amusement rides. At Rockaway Beach and Jones Beach, they spent hours swimming in the ocean and soaking up the sun.  Swimming was one of Peggy’s favorite past-times. Hamptom Bays was her home away from home where she loved relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean.

Peggy was blessed with good health and a long life.  She often stated that her secret to longevity and model for life was, “Faith, Family, Friends, and Chocolate!”.  Peggy was a truly special person who touched the lives of countless people throughout her life.  She will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Peggy is survived by her four children: Mary Beth Ryan and her husband Tom of Butler, NJ. Peggy Siegrist of Wayne, NJ, Bill Siegrist of Wayne, NJ, and Christine Dodds and her husband Kevin of Wayne, NJ, five grandchildren; Tom Ryan, Christopher Ryan and his wife Stacey, Colin Dodds, Kirsten Dodds, and Kyle Dodds, and many, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.  Peggy was predeceased by her husband Bill Siegrist in 2005.  She was also predeceased by her eight siblings: Thomas and his wife Kay, Patrick and his wife Kay, Beatrice, Francis, Gerald, John William and his wife Mary Anna, Sister Marita Rose, and Monsignor Edward O’Brien.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret's name may be made to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson.