Nell Rose Siegfried

Nell Rose Thomas Siegfried passed away peacefully on the morning of January 12,

2025, at the age of 96. Born on July 17, 1927, in Walterboro, South Carolina, she was

the cherished daughter of Elliott Henry Thomas and Annie Laurie Stroman Thomas.

From her earliest days, her boundless determination and sharp wit were evident,

qualities that would define her throughout her extraordinary life.

She graduated from Walterboro High School in 1945 and attended Columbia College in

South Carolina. From 1947 until her marriage in 1952, she worked as a secretary in the

Vocational Rehabilitation Division at the South Carolina State Department of Education

office in Walterboro. A member and past president of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority’s Rho

Chapter, she embraced leadership roles with grace and competence.

On October 13, 1952, she married F.B. Siegfried III (Bud), a native of Montclair, New

Jersey, whom she met while he was stationed at Parris Island Marine Corps Base in

South Carolina. A skilled homemaker, she was known for her exceptional cooking and

baking. Her craft of choice was cross-stitch, through which she created intricate and

heartfelt works of art. A woman of steadfast Christian faith, she found strength, comfort,

and purpose in her beliefs, which guided her throughout her life.

They lived in Glen Ridge, NJ, for six years before moving to Verona, NJ, where they

spent 32 years. While in Verona, she worked for the Salvation Army, earning numerous

accolades for her dedication and taking great pride in her contributions to the

organization. She was a devoted member of the Verona Methodist Church and served

as a Girl Scout leader, balancing perseverance and peace in all her endeavors.

In 1992, she and Bud retired to Gray, Maine, where she became a member of the First

Congregational Church and the Cumberland County Homemakers’ Extension Club. In

2011, her exceptional service earned her the honor of being named the Cumberland

County Extension Homemaker Volunteer of the Year. She also served at her local food

pantry and Maine Medical Center. In 2015 she returned for a few years to South

Carolina before making Maine her home once again, residing at The Woods at Canco in

Portland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Elliott H. Thomas, Jr., her

husband F.B. Siegfried III, and her son, Thomas D. Siegfried.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey S. Siegfried (Kathy) of Westbrook, ME, her daughter,

Karen Thomas of Gray, ME, six granddaughters— Jessica Violette (Spencer), Kristy

Garneau, Christina Siegfried, Lea Pollard (Brandon), Lori Lee (Brian) and Alysha

Siegfried and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved niece Jan

Thomas White (George) of South Carolina, and her nieces and nephew, Anna Lathrop,

Holly Breton (Claude), Martha Nelson, and Tony Batchelor all of Maine.

A graveside burial will take place this spring in New Gloucester, ME. Arrangements by

Wilson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the

Salvation Army.

Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith, tireless service, and deep commitment

to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of determination, grace, and purpose,

inspiring all who knew her.

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