Sigrid Ann Poole Giese

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Sigrid Ann "Sig" Poole Giese, who left this world on September 11, 2026. Born on August 13, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio, Sig was the cherished daughter of Edna Mae and Wiley Thomas Poole, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Giese; her devoted son, Michael Ballert, and his wife, Michele; and her treasured grandchildren, Cody (Colbi) and Lauryn Ballert and her great-grandchildren Gray and Blair. Sig also leaves behind her dear sisters Shirley Crawford, Marilyn Crow (Dana), Sharon Beverlin, and Janice (Jan) Sykes, as well as her brothers Kenneth (Rusty) Poole (Vickie) and James (Jim) Poole (Sue). Sig's journey began in Temperance, Michigan, where she graduated from Bedford High School in 1969. Her career in the restaurant industry blossomed after high school, starting as a manager at Carmels in Toledo. This experience ignited her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to open Mejico Grande Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale in 1983 with her sister Jan. It was at this beloved establishment that she met the love of her life, Michael Giese. Love sparked quickly, and Sig and Mike married on May 27, 1984, in a beautiful ceremony in Fort Lauderdale. Sig and Jan successfully ran Mejico Grande for over 19 years, creating a welcoming space that reflected Sig's innate ability to make everyone feel at ease. Her career later transitioned to American Express, where she spent a decade as a Customer Service Consultant, bringing her trademark empathy and comforting presence to her colleagues and clients. Sig's life was rich with passions. She delighted in spending time with her husband, Mike, and shared countless joyous moments with her sister Jan, often filled with shopping adventures and cherished shenanigans. Her heart swelled with pride for her son, Michael, and she devoted herself to nurturing him into a gracious and kind-hearted man. Her grandchildren, Cody and Lauryn, were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was also so happy to have met and spent time with her beloved great-grandchildren Gray and Blair. Sig enjoyed laughing and telling many stories that are "in the vault" with her various nieces and nephews who she was so proud of. Another one of Sig's passions was her love of cruising. She loved escaping everyday life for the fun and flair of the cruise ship. A woman of remarkable warmth and generosity, Sig's smile could light up a room, and her giving nature was felt by all who knew her. Her empathetic spirit and caring heart left an indelible mark on her community and loved ones. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. A service to commemorate and celebrate Sig's remarkable life will be planned at a later date, allowing family members to gather and honor her legacy together. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Sig's memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting her giving spirit and her love for community.