Jacqualyn Jean Siegel

Jacqualyn Jean Siegel (née Whalen), age 82, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Born on January 28, 1943, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, Jackie’s life was marked by resilience, transformation, and a deep spiritual curiosity. A survivor of childhood trauma, she left home at an early age and found herself immersed in the vibrant counterculture of San Francisco during the 1960s. It was in California that she married Robert Baranauskas, gave birth to and began raising two young children as a single mother following their divorce. While navigating the challenges of parenthood alone, Jackie pursued her education and became a nurse - a testament to her strength and determination.

In 1976, seeking a better future for her family, Jackie returned to Pittsburgh. There she met David Siegel, whom she married in 1979. Together they welcomed their daughter Kassandra in the early 1980s. Though Jackie and David remained married until his passing in 2015, they had lived separately for many years.

Jackie relocated to Colorado in 2008 to be closer to her eldest daughter and growing family. Her later years were enriched by the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—relationships that brought her joy and connection.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Robert Baranauskas, Phoebe Eichinger (spouse Curtis Eichinger), and Kassandra Siegel; her grandchildren: Victoria Feldshaw (spouse Kyle Feldshaw) and Elizabeth Eichinger-Young (spouse Andrew Young); and her great-grandchildren: Norah Feldshaw, Natalie Feldshaw, and Margot Young.

Jackie was preceded in death by her brothers John Whalen and Michael Whalen, as well as her husband David Siegel.

A woman of many passions, Jackie loved to draw, write poetry and prose, read widely across genres, and nurture plants with care. Though baptized Episcopalian, she embraced a deeply personal spiritual path throughout her life—exploring meditation practices, astrology charts, I Ching readings, Tarot symbolism, and other tools that helped her connect with the world around her.

One of Jackie’s most cherished places was Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh—a sanctuary where nature’s beauty mirrored the depth of her inner world. In honor of her memory, a memorial brick will be placed there. A celebration of life gathering will be held at Phipps at a future date to be determined.

May Jackie’s memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.