Doris Jean Siegel's Obituary
Doris Jean Elaine Woodward Siegel was born on March 10th, 1930, to parents Thomas Henry Woodward and Jennie Hansen Woodward. She grew up in Sturtevant, Wisconsin.
Doris began dancing at only five years old and never stopped. She excelled in ballet en pointe and tap, and at the age of fifteen, began teaching as well as performing. She opened her own dance studio called “Doris Jean Woodward Dance Studio”; the studio was later renamed “Siegel’s Dance Studio” after she married.
Doris loved horses. Her first horse was a pony named Barney, given to her by her father after a family move to the countryside during the Great Depression. Doris enjoyed English equestrian events, jumping with her horse Vicky in competitions, and performing in horse shows with her sister Muriel.
On June 30th, 1951, Doris married Louis “Bud” Siegel. They were joined in marital bliss for nearly 74 years before Bud passed, separating them for just over a year before they were reunited in heaven. They had three children; Sherry Dardich (Richard), Kevin Siegel (Crystal), and Carrie Siegel Lewis.
Doris worked at Blanton elementary, where she baked and served lunch in the cafeteria. She also worked at an Independent Living Community where she was in her element decorating rooms for residents, picking out the perfect wallpaper or carpet, in addition to working in marketing and sales.
Doris and Bud loved travelling the world together. For their 50th anniversary, they visited the beautiful city of Paris, a favorite memory of Doris’. They visited England and Denmark, ancestral countries on the side of her father and mother, respectively. Their travels spanned much of Europe, among other countries, but their particular delight was taking multiple biking trips in the Netherlands.
Doris was well known for her love of butterflies; they decorated her clothing, her home, and even her Christmas tree. She always had a dessert ready for visiting grandchildren. She loved to swim and stayed active into her nineties.
Doris was raised Lutheran, but it wasn’t until later in life that she personally accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her older daughter led her to faith in 2022, when Doris’ heart was softened, and she accepted His call. She passed on June 20th, 2026, when she traded this mortal coil for the everlasting peace and joy of eternity with her Savior, and her beloved husband. She was ninety-six years old.
Doris is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren (Rory, David, Stacey, Alissa, Kevin, Caitlyn, Andrea, Nicole, and Matthew), and ten great grandchildren (Christopher, Brendon, Rebecca, Olivia, Josiah, Carter, Caleb, Andrew, Liam, and Levi). She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. Doris is predeceased by her beloved husband Bud, her parents, her sisters (Ruby Woodward, Muriel Hansen, Marjorie Haney, and Marion Kline), and her brother (Gordon Woodward).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doris’ honor to Kiddy Up Ranch.
https://www.kiddyupranch.org/donation
A Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 10 AM with a Service to begin at 11 AM at Memorial Park Funeral Home: 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, 33709. Following Services at the Funeral Home, Doris will be laid to rest at 12 PM within Memorial Park Cemetery.
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