Margaret Condon Bateman Von Siegel

Margaret Condon Bateman Von Siegel, 78, died peacefully at the home of her sister, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Von Siegel was the daughter of Elizabeth Ford Rogers and William James Condon and was a fourth generation Memphian. She attended Hutchison School until her family moved to Nashville during her senior year, where she became a graduate of Harpeth Hall School. She attended Holton Arms College in Washington, D.C. and lived briefly in Coral Gables, Florida, until her marriage brought her back to Memphis. She loved to travel, whether in Europe with her husband or in many different homes and resorts in the states with her spirited and zany bridge groups. She adored the outdoors, and was particularly fond of fishing, always happy with an afternoon of a good catch, be it from the ocean, or a peaceful lake, or stream. Her talents were many: tennis as a youngster, and later creating dishes in the kitchen, as well as growing vegetables and flowers in her garden. Professionally, she spent 30 years graciously receiving and caring for patients at the front desk of The Office of Internal Medicine. She devoted herself to the Briarcrest PTA and spoke fondly of her days in Bible Study Fellowship and her volunteer work with The Junior League of Memphis.
Her circle of friends was wide, and she became known as a fierce competitor in the game of duplicate bridge, where her bright mind and sharp tactics rewarded her with many victories and master points. Despite her success with cards, her true devotion and loyalty was to her family, all of whom adored her and celebrated any chance to get together for reunions and visits. Her older son, Harry Newman Rodgers IV (“Sammie”), frequently traveled from Florida to see her; second son, William Lee Bateman, lived just two blocks away, often taking her out to dinner or grilling favorites at home for her. Her daughter, Margaret Carey Bateman Powers (Dr. Reams), frequently came to Memphis with her family from Columbia, TN, and Margaret enjoyed many special weekends at their lake house in the country. Her sister, Connie Abston (Dunbar,Jr.), counted Margaret as a special gift from God and cherished their sisterhood. Her five grandchildren all praised and adored her. They are Justin and Nathan Bateman of Memphis, and Margaret Patton, Darden, and Richard Powers of Columbia. Margaret was the step daughter of opera star Marguerite Piazza Condon and cousin to actress Kathy Bates.
She will be remembered for her stalwart determination to be the best she could be. Among deeply regarded friends who mourn her passing are Lisa Hamill Bateman and Virginia Bateman Hess. In the face of her illness, she often expressed her readiness and delight that she would be joining her husband, Don, and her dog, Maisie, as she journeyed to heaven. All who loved her celebrate her life and will miss her warm and gentle spirit.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 2, in the Wilson Chapel of Christ Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee at 2:00 P.M. Beforehand there will be visitation with the family from 12:30 P.M. until 2: 00 P.M. The family requests that memorials be made to Hutchison School or Young Life Columbia at 1208 Davidson Lane, Columbia TN, 38401.