Mary Herbstreit

Mary Herbstreit

May 04, 1926 - March 25, 2024

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Mary Bernadette “Bernie” Kieffer Gorman Herbstreit passed away peacefully March 25, 2024 just six weeks prior to her 98th birthday.

 

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Mary was the oldest of six children born to Joseph F. Kieffer and Matilda Schafer Kieffer, both deceased. Mary was also preceded in death by her husband Eugene F. Herbstreit Sr. who died in 1992 and siblings Joseph (Grace) F. “Bud” Kieffer Jr., Patricia (Ralph) Kieffer Hostetter, Vincent (Helen) C. Kieffer, and Kathleen M. (Thomas Jr.) Kieffer Abshier and one great grandchild, Robert R. Holland Jr.

 

Mary is survived by her sister Marian (Edmund) Kieffer Wadell of California, three children Daniel A. (Vera) Gorman, Donna J. (Jack) Gorman Bush, and Deborah A. (Wallace) Gorman Miller, eight grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

 

A graduate of St. Mary's high school class of 1944, Mary, known by close friends and family as “Bernie,” loved to be active and often sought adventure. Some of her adventures included traveling the country in an RV with her beloved husband Gene after they retired to Florida. Cruising the open seas, playing slot machines at the casino, ballroom dancing, riding in a hot air balloon and ziplining for her 86th birthday. She was a talented quilter and seamstress with a closet full of beautiful handmade clothes and was a member of a quilters club and received a blue ribbon for one of her quilts.  Her perfectionism paid dividends in these pursuits; she never hesitated to rip out a stitch if it didn't meet her standards. Mary loved spending time with family and playing games, especially Yahtzee. She loved music and dancing and pursued both professionally, working as a dance instructor as a young adult and later as an organist while raising her three children. Mary's sense of fun and adventure, pursuit of good health, and fierce independence led to a long and fulfilling life filled with treasured memories. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

 

Services will be held at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Speedway IN on April 4, 2024 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Hospital for Children.

 

Online condolences may be offered at Stevens Mortuary.

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Robert Ellenson
Other •
I first met Aunt Bernie when Kathy and I went to Indianapolis for a visit in the late 1980’s. We then visited her when she lived in Bradenton FL a few times in the 2000’s. She played the organ for us and I was amazed at how good she was. The last time I saw her was in Indianapolis (where a big bunch of family met at her favorite cafeteria). During that trip we also saw uncle Bud and Aunt Grace, I think in 2017. She was always full of funny stories of adventure and excitement. I will never forget her telling us about driving an old pickup truck through a swanky area on Lido Key outside Sarasota FL and getting pulled over because the cops didn’t want “no good’s” coming on to the island. And when she moved from Florida back to Indianapolis she was set to drive the U-Haul there by herself. Never one to be shy, she was always the spark of any get together. Loved her very much and so sad to see her go, but boy did she have an amazing life!!
GM
Granny Miller
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I enjoyed her organ music very much loved listening to her play and most of all she was a great Yahtzee player my favorite one to play with
LM
Linda Meshey
Other •
My sincere condolences over Mary’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting her during her time in Florida. Her spirit was delightful and her energy was infectious. I have thought of her over the years with fond admiration. Heaven has gained a spitfire, RIP Mary. Linda Yost/Meshey
JR
Jeff Riggs
Other •
A wonderful lady. Rest in eternal peace.

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