Marie Louise Vanvechten Sigerist

BLUFFTON, SC- Marie Louise Van Vechten Sigerist died peacefully on November 4, 2008 at the Carolina House in Bluffton, SC at the age of 94. She was born in 1913 in Elizabeth, NJ to Arthur and Rieta Van Vechten. She was predeceased by both parents, her husband Fred Sigerist, and her sister Anne Van Vechten Coupe.Marie Louise attended Kent Place School in Summit, NJ and later graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1935. Following her graduation, she taught at The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA and the Spence School in New York City, NY and later began what would be a life long career with The American Red Cross. During her time with the Red Cross, Marie Louise served in the European Theater during World War II and then in Korea during the Korean Conflict.While working at the American Red Cross, Marie Louise met Fred Sigerist, an international relations specialist for the Red Cross, and they were married on Christmas Day in Geneva, Switzerland in 1963. Throughout their 29 years of marriage they brought joy to one another with extensive travel, an appreciation of the arts and fond visits with family and friends. They were members of the Swiss Club of Washington, DC and, in later years, spent time with various volunteer efforts on behalf of the Red Cross.Marie Louise is survived by her nephews, sons of her late sister Anne, Douglass L. Coupe of Bluffton, SC, Arthur T. Coupe, of Niskayuna, NY, Derick VV Coupe, of Silver Spring, MD and a step daughter Sylvia Rose, of Walnut Creek, CA.A Celebration of Life will be held in Hilton Head, SC during the Thanksgiving holidays. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross/Service to the Armed Forces in memory of Marie Louise Sigerist, 8550 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA. 22031.Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton, SC is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.saulsfh.com)