Margaret Jane Vergeront

Margaret Jane (Peggy) Vergeront passed away peacefully at Oakwood Village in Madison, Wisconsin 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 & 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 PM at First Congregational Church, 1609 University Avenue, Madison, WI.