Margaret Ann Goebel Seiple

Margaret Ann Seiple, of Marshall, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2020 from complications with Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. She was 77 years old, and the beloved wife to Robert A. Seiple (Bob) for nearly 54 years. Margaret Ann Goebel was the daughter of the late Robert and Margaret Goebel of Dewitt, Iowa. She was the sister of Tom Goebel, and sister-in-law to his wife Ann of Ashland, Virginia, and a loving aunt to their daughter Beth Piazza of Waldorf, Maryland. In addition, she is survived by her son Chris and his wife Alissa of Edmonds, Washington; daughter Amy Hebb and her husband DB of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; and son Jesse and his wife Anna of Alexandria, Virginia. She is also survived by her grandchildren Asa, Henry, Liam, Hanan, Hadessah, Ashrei, Jonah, and Cambria. Margaret Ann was born in Bristol, Virginia but spent most of her younger life on a farm in the small town of Dewitt, Iowa. She attended the University of Iowa and met the love of her life on a European cruise that she took upon graduation. Bob and M.A., as her friends knew her, were married in Pensacola, Florida in 1966, before Bob left to serve in the Vietnam War. M.A. and Bob built a life together in New England with their three children and spent much of their time involved in Barrington Baptist Church. Margaret Ann was a lifelong volunteer, and a series of moves across the country and back again brought many opportunities to serve. In addition to supporting Bob in his calling to Eastern University, World Vision and as the Ambassador of Religious Freedom, she was often a mentor, a tutor, and listener for people in crisis. While living in California, she volunteered as a guardian ad litem in the Los Angeles County child welfare system. She also served as the Communications Coordinator at the Coalition of Christian Colleges in Washington, DC. In 2000, Margaret Ann co-founded the Institute of Global Engagement with Bob to bring hope to vulnerable people of faith through innovative approaches of advancing religious freedom worldwide. Margaret Ann loved her family- her own, and her extended family across the globe. Her hospitality was second to none, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and comfortable made the Seiple home a popular place. She enjoyed bringing people around her table for meals and celebrations. More than anything, it was her ability to listen and connect that made us all feel so loved. Thank you Margaret Ann, thank you Mom. May we follow your example in our daily lives. A service celebrating the life of Margaret Ann Seiple will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory can be made to globalengage.org, or the charity of your choice.