Obituary of Maria de la Paz Herbkersman

Maria de la Paz Herbkersman, (nee Magana,) aged 87, passed away the evening of Sunday December 1, 2013 at the home of her daughter Mary Boland in Falls Church, Virginia where she lived since March of this year. She died from complications following a stroke last year.  At the time of her death, she was surrounded by family members including several grandchildren.  Maria, (also known as “Paz” or “Pat”,) was born in Michoacan, Mexico and immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio with her mother Manuela, widowed sister Theresa and preschool aged niece, Melba during World War II. They came to Cleveland to join Paz’s father, Amador Magana, who was working in the steel mills at the time.  The family settled in Cleveland on Broadway near the steel mills.  Paz went to work at the Hotel Stadler in the laundry department, moving to the Hotstream Water Heater company as her English language proficiency improved.  There she met, then wed James (Jim) Herbkersman.  They settled in Cleveland near 93rd and Union Avenues where she and Jim raised a family of four children at St. Catherine Parish before moving to Maple Heights, Ohio where Jim grew up.  In Maple Heights, the family was active at St. Wenceslaus School and Church.  After Jim passed away in 1981, Paz stayed in Maple Heights until all the children were wed and moved away.  Eventually she sold her home and moved to the Stow, Ohio area to be closer to her son, Richard and his family.  Paz lived independently, maintained a home and community garden, prepared delicious home made “from scratch” meals daily and travelled often to visit her out of state children and their families. She had a keen sense of humor, a kind heart, friendly and humble disposition, childlike sense of innocence and awe, wisdom far beyond her formal education and a deep religious faith. She was a member of Holy Family Church in Stow until her move to Virginia in March, 2013  Paz is survived by her four children and thirteen grandchildren who live across the country:  Mary Boland (Brian) of Falls Church, Virginia and their three sons, Patrick, Joseph and Matthew;  Richard J. (Kathy) of Stow, Ohio and sons Kevin and Michael; John W.(Nancy,) of St. Augustine, Florida and children Amy, Christopher and Sarah; and Mark J. (Martha Craig) of Baltimore, Maryland and children Mara, Alexandra, Olivia, Maxton and Nathan. Friends are invited to the Redmon Funeral Home for visitation Sunday from 2 to 6 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Monday 10 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Interment All Saints Cemetery.