Anne Gardiner Sigismund

Anne Gardiner Sigismund February 4, 1923 - June 25, 2009 Anne Gardiner Sigismund died peacefully in her sleep on June 25th at the age of 86, after 64 years and 19 days of marriage. She left behind her devoted husband, David Sigismund, six children, their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and innumerable friends. Her love, faith, charity, intelligence, and happiness will inspire us forever. Born February 4, 1923 to Annie Elizabeth Walker Gardiner and Charles Seymour Gardiner, Anne grew up and attended high school in Florence, South Carolina along with two older brothers and a younger sister, all of whom predeceased her. She hoped to be an architect, but many programs were suspended due to lack of instructors during World War II. Instead she received a B.S. in Home Economics in 1944 from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC, and returned home to teach. There Anne Gardiner met, and on June 6, 1945 married, Captain David Sigismund of the U. S. Army Air Force, who had just returned from service in the Pacific. When he was discharged at the end of the war, they moved to Golden, Colorado and later lived in Clovis, New Mexico and Arvada, Colorado. In 1955 they came to Grand Junction and spent the next 54 years crafting a welcoming home for family and friends. Although her accent became less noticeable after years in the West, she always embodied Southern warmth, charm, and hospitality. An active member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Anne had a quiet faith that was reflected in prayers for others all of her life. She was a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and Church Women United. A Girl Scout for 40 years, her leadership and care also will be remembered by troop members, parents, and those who worked with her as President of Chipeta Council. Similar contributions to the community were made through United Way, the Community Center Board, School District 51, and other organizations. Anne will be remembered by her many bridge partners and opponents for her constant luck and well-calculated finesse in cards. She loved to garden and cook. She traveled across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, often to visit children who try to replicate in their own families what their parents have given them. Her family was her greatest joy. In addition to her husband, David, Anne is survived by her children, Anne Sigismund Huff (James), David Brigham Sigismund (Linda), Charles Gardiner Sigismund (Barbara), Alice Sigismund Nikkel, Walker William Sigismund, and Catherine Sigismund Wilson (Brent). She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Betsy, David Oran, Laura, Darrell, Kathryn, David Morgan, Katie, Charles, William Paul, Hayley, William Kay, and Sigi. Her remarkable achievement as mother and grandmother was to make each of us feel special. There will be a remembrance service at Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church, 3888 27 1/2 Road, on July 2, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mathew's Episcopal Church, Hospice of Western Colorado, Girl Scouts of America or the charity of your choice.