Lisa Seigel

03/03/1957 - 02/06/2026

Lisa Anne Seigel, 68, a deeply caring, creative, compassionate, and brilliant woman, died peacefully at her home in Washington, D.C., on February 6, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. An artist at heart, as well as a publisher, business leader, and philanthropist, her intelligence, kindness, generosity, and joy in a life well-lived will never be forgotten by her loving family, close friends, and godchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Greta (Schwartz) Faigen, and stepfather, George Faigen, and is survived by her brother Andrew Faigen and his wife, Mindi, of Florida; her brother Jon Seigel and his wife, Courtnie, of Texas and their children, Quinn and Logan; her niece Hannah Schoenman and her husband Matt and their children, Ronin and Autumn; and her nephew Max Faigen. Her cause of death was Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) a rare and aggressive neurological disease.
A native Washingtonian, Lisa was born on March 3, 1957. Her mother imbued her children with a love for humanity, politics, and the arts. Lisa and Andrew often came home from elementary school to the soaring sound of Puccini arias, Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, and their appreciation for music, theatre, ballet, and Washington's museums and galleries was nurtured by their adventurous, intellectually spirited mother.
Lisa immersed herself in the Washington theater scene early in life, and went to New York City at 16, eventually to study at HB Studio with renowned acting teacher Uta Hagen. She relayed with relish her memories of that time in Manhattan, studying drama and ballet, auditioning, acting, and living on rice and ketchup. Upon returning to Washington, she poured her creativity into a prototype for an arts and entertainment magazine in the nation's capital. Although the concept was not realized, her passion for publishing was born.
Lisa completed her BA in Philosophy at The George Washington University, and, in 1986, was hired as business manager for the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, where she honed her business acumen. Later, she became publisher of Discovery Magazine at Discovery Cable Networks. Her personal career path took a sharp turn when she was asked to join her mother in running her stepfather's vast rags-to-riches entrepreneurial endeavors following his sudden illness. Greta and Lisa worked tirelessly to ensure the health and growth of that business, ultimately creating a philanthropic family foundation, which Lisa guided with dedication. Through their abundant philanthropy, Lisa and her family have touched many lives, especially those of children and the most vulnerable, including the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools, in Washington, D.C., among many others. She was also a tutor to underserved children in the city.
Lisa lived with quiet grace and an unwavering generosity and commitment to her family, her friends, and their children. Her greatest gift, and her deepest joy, was caring for others, often without anyone ever knowing. She fervently believed in the power of education and personally served as a quiet benefactor to many families, providing access to the best schools and higher learning. Helping people was not something she did for recognition; it was simply who she was.
Lisa was an avid world traveler, patron of the arts, gastronome, chef and oenophile. Dinner at her house was always an event to be keenly anticipated and savored, with every detail perfected. She was also an exceedingly devoted friend and mentor, with a laser-like focus in helping to analyze and decipher life's most sensitive emotional and ethical challenges. Long conversations with Lisa were filled with a constant curiosity for understanding world events, politics, philosophy, and spirituality. Although she did not have her own children, she was known lovingly as "Auntie Lisa" to the children in her inner circle in whom she delighted, and who could count on her day or night for advice, support, comfort, and guidance. Her legacy lives on in those she loved. The world has truly lost a pillar of light. A private celebration of her life will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to: CUREPSP https://www.psp.org/