Margaret was born on November 30, 1923 in Fresno, California to Daniel Berg and Christina (Steitz) Berg. She went to her heavenly home 23 days after her 100 th birthday on December 23, 2023. Margaret led a full life, dedicated to her family.

Her grandparents were among the first group of Volga German immigrants to arrive in Fresno in 1887, and her father, Daniel Berg, was the first Volga German baby born in Fresno—part of Fresno history that she took great pride in sharing with her family.

Margaret grew up on "F" Street in Fresno's Germantown neighborhood, in a house across the street from the historic Lutheran Cross Church, which was the religious, cultural, and social center of their Volga German community. Growing up in Germantown greatly shaped Margaret's childhood: she loved to recount stories of riding the street car line that went down "F" street, as well as playing at Cosmos Playground with the neighborhood children, who called themselves the "F" Street Gang. Margaret fondly spoke of the Cross Church bells ringing to signal news to the community. She often said, in her later years, that hearing church bells made her homesick for her childhood in Germantown. Margaret grew up in a close-knit family, the fifth of eight brothers and sisters. She admired her older brothers, considered her sisters to be close friends, and took great pride in caring for her younger siblings, lovingly calling them her "job." Margaret spent her summers with her parents and siblings cutting apricots, packing figs, and picking grapes to contribute to her family's income in the summer months. She attended Kirk Elementary and graduated from Edison High School in 1942.

She served her country during World War II as a real-life "Rosie the Riveter" working at Mare Island in Vallejo and for Rohr Aircraft in Fresno.  After the war ended, she met John Seib when she accompanied her friend Esther Seib to a birthday party. She thought John was tall, dark, and very handsome and often said that it was love at first sight. They married six months later on April 27, 1946 in the Cross Church.

Margaret and John settled in Fresno, where they raised their three children: Virginia, Janice, and Jeffrey. Margaret valued education and ensured her children took advantage of every opportunity. She believed in them and constantly encouraged them. They tragically lost Ginny at age 12 to leukemia. In spite of her grief, she was determined to make a happy home for her family. She and John attended every band parade, concert, sporting event, awards assembly and school activity. In addition, they enjoyed family vacations to Morro Bay, Disneyland, Dinky Creek, as well as trips to visit family in San Mateo, Caruthers, San Jose, and Redwood City.

Margaret worked at Drug Fair in Fresno's Tower District, where she endeared herself to many customers over the years. Margaret believed in a strong work ethic and was instrumental in helping Jan and Jeff get their first part-time jobs at Drug Fair, as well as jobs for many of her nephews and children's friends.

Ever the hostess, Margaret loved to cook and have a house full of friends and family. She was known to make her mother's Bierocks and  Vareniks and invite her brothers, sisters, in-laws, and many nieces and nephews over for impromptu get togethers. Sometimes these parties would spill out onto John's meticulously manicured front yard and her neighbors would join the fun. Their house was full of music, laughter, and good food.

When John became ill, Margaret left a job she enjoyed to selflessly and lovingly care for him. Upon John's passing in 1992, Margaret spent her time volunteering, playing Pinochle and Bingo, doing needlework and other crafts, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading novels, doing crossword puzzles, taking bus trips with friends, and trying her luck at the casinos. She was a passionate Fresno State Football fan and was a season ticket holder with her family into her mid-90s.

Margaret lived her life out loud. Her family liked to remind her that her motto should be, "go big or go home" because she could never do something half way, whether it was cooking, crafting, reading, watching movies, or filling her social calendar. "No" was not in her vocabulary. She collected books, records, Hummels, stamps, postcards, magnets, angels, lighthouses, owls… the list goes on. Most significantly, she fiercely  loved her family and was a loyal friend to all.

Over her 100 years, Margaret's life was not always easy and she had her share of heartbreak, including the loss of her husband, daughter, and daughter-in-law. She was the last surviving sibling of the Berg family and last surviving in-law of the Seib family. She watched all of her friends pass before her. She saw and was impacted by 100 years of history, including the Great Depression, World War II, and many other difficult  events. Nevertheless, she always stayed positive and was focused on the abundant blessings in her life. She was always there for her family and friends in their times of need and as she grew older it was difficult for her to find herself needing help from others. In her later years, her memories weren't always as vivid as they once were, but she still loved singing her favorite hymns, saying the Lord's Prayer, and praying for every family member by name every night before bed. Her love for her family never faded.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Seib and cherished daughter Ginny Seib, as well as her parents, Daniel and Christina Berg; her daughter-in-law, Nancy Seib; her siblings: Mollie Ford (Ed), Otto Berg (Allean), Walter Berg (Doris), Lydia Bach, LeRoy Berg, Richard "Jake" Berg, and Roberta Bartsch (Jim).

She is survived by her daughter Jan Heffington (Steve), son Jeff Seib, and four grandchildren: Tracy Heffington, Lisa Heffington, Connor Seib (Jessica), and Madison Seib. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Charlotte Berg and Margaret Berg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Monique and the staff at The Grove Journeys Neighborhood for their care and compassion for Margaret in her final days.

A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Community Church (12168 N Willow, Clovis) on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Hinds Hospice, or an organization that
is meaningful to you.