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BORN
1946
DIED
2025
Margaret Vergeront Obituary
May 6, 1946 - October 9, 2025
Margaret Jane (Peggy) Vergeront passed away peacefully at Oakwood Village in Madison, Wisc. on October 9, 2025.
Born May 6, 1946, in Madison, Peggy was the second oldest of seven children of John G. and Sallie W. Vergeront. A life-long resident of Wisconsin, Peggy grew up in Fox Point. After graduating from Nicolet High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her BA, MA, and Law degrees.
In 1978, Peggy married Michael Weiden. Together they raised her daughter, Jessica Novak Young, and their son, Peter Weiden. A caring, involved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, she participated in community activities, attended sporting events, and volunteered at the same time she was pursuing a full, active legal career.
Following law school, Peggy clerked for United States District Judge, James E. Doyle. She then worked as a staff attorney at Legal Action of Wisconsin and later joined the La Follette and Sinykin in Madison. When a newly created seat on the Wisconsin District IV Court of Appeals opened in 1994, Peggy ran unopposed. A respected jurist, she was elected and ran unopposed in 2000 and 2006. After 18 years on the bench, the Honorable Margaret J. Vergeront retired from the court in 2012.
After her family, friends, and career, Peggy was passionate about travel, nature, and literature.
Childhood vacations camping around the Midwest, visiting national parks and historic sites developed a sense of adventure that lasted throughout Peggy's lifetime. Inspired by an intercultural high school summer program in Thailand and study abroad in Germany during her college junior year, Peggy continued exploring the world with her own family. She and Michael travelled extensively internationally in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Whether travelling or at home, Peggy loved spending time in nature, hiking, birding, camping, and spending days at their farm near Mt. Horeb. She was an avid gardener, interested in learning about, nurturing, and filling her yard with flowers and shrubs.
From a very early age, Peggy loved reading. Whenever she had a free moment, she had a book in her hand. Literature filled her life, expanded her world, and connected her with others. She was a member of several book groups
Throughout her life, Peggy has helped others as a mentor, friend, lawyer, and judge. Her kindness, laughter, and generosity will be missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.
Peggy was preceded in death by her mother and father and her brother, David. J. Vergeront. She is survived by her husband, Michael Weiden; daughter, Jessica Young (Marc Young, Sara Young and Ian Young); son, Peter Weiden; sisters, Kim Vergeront, Jeanne Vergeront (Andrew Dick), Julie Vergeront (Bob Vinton); and brothers, Tom Vergeront and Andy Vergeront (Tammy Vergeront).
The family would like to thank Oakwood Village staff and Agrace Hospice for their kind, compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1609 University Avenue, Madison, Wisc.
Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Vergeront
4 Entries
Christina Greene
November 24, 2025
Twenty-five years ago, Peggy Vergeront helped found a book club that is still going strong, thanks in large part to her quiet, brilliant, and steady influence. In commemoration of Peggy´s deep love of literature, reading, and the outdoors, the book club established a gift in her name to the Madison Public Library Foundation. (mplfoundation.org.) Initiated by book club member and Peggy's long-time friend, Renie Schapiro, our donation supports the new Imagination Center now under construction. It will be the first Madison library built within a park. A plaque saying "In memory of Peggy Vergeront" will appear on the wall of donors at the new site.
Marlene Orenstein Bilsky
October 16, 2025
I join you in mourning the loss of the woman I knew as Peggy. She was a supportive friend in high school. She was always the smartest person in a room, but never needed to prove it. She was kind, funny, humble. Sixty something years ago, the two of us took a bus to Madison to an art show. All the way there we invented stories about individuals on the bus-weaving all kinds of fiction. I bought my first piece of "alternative " art with her at my side.
She had the sunniest disposition and a real positive outlook.
I never ceased to be amazed that she pursued law-she was such a free spirit. Not surprised that she became a judge.
Though I hadn´t seen her often over the years, we reconnected when our sons became friends at a camp in northern Wisconsin.
She was even lovelier then.
Peggy was one of the most special and original women I ever knew. She will always be a blessing in my memory.
My condolences to her family.
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