Margaret E. Herman, 99, of Springfield, died on Friday, July 27, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. at her home.
A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, Aug. 2, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with the Rev. Wayne Stock officiating. Burial will take place at St. Martin's Cemetery in Farmersville at a later date. Per Ms. Herman's wishes, her body was donated to science.
Ms. Herman was born March 18, 1919, in Farmersville, to the late Francis Matthew and Mary Ann (Murphy) Herman.
She attended St. Isadore Grade School and graduated from Farmersville Community High School, and went on to further her education from Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State University.) She earned a bachelor of education degree, majoring in social sciences.
Because of Ms. Herman's academic standing, she was elected to Phi Gamma Mu, the National Scholastic Social Science Society. After her graduation from college, she was employed at the St. Louis Social Security Commission in St. Louis, MO.
During World War II, she resigned her position with the Commission to serve with the American Red Cross in the following military hospitals: Fort Logan Hospital in Fort Logan, CO, a neuropsychiatric center for returning veterans; Glennon General Hospital in Okmulgee, OK, an orthopedic center; and a separation center in Jefferson Barracks, MO.
Ms. Herman received a certificate of meritorious service signed by President Harry S. Truman, for her service with the American Red Cross. After her service with American Red Cross, she accepted a position with the St. Louis Public Library working in the Extension Department.
Later, after passing both the written and oral examinations with the Illinois Civil Service Commission, she accepted a position with the Extension Department at the Illinois State Library in Springfield.
During the summers, Ms. Herman earned a master of arts degree in library science from Dominican University in River Forest. During almost forty years of service with the library, she held several positions, retiring as head of the Collection Development Unit.
She was a member of the American Association of University Women, Sangamon County Historical Society, World Affairs Council of Central Illinois, State Employees Retirement System, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and was an associate member of the Dominican Order in Springfield.
Ms. Herman is survived by two nephews, Hugh (Pat) Seelbach of Springfield and Kurt (Brenda) Seelbach of Kirkwood, MO; a niece, Margaret Seelbach of The Villages, FL; two great-nephews, Kyle (Laura) Seelbach and Eric Seelbach; three great-nieces, Courtney (Ben) Hosto, Sheri (Matt) Stewart and Jill (Ryan) DeGeeter; four great-great-nephews, George and John Seelbach, Jordan Stewart and Teddy Hosto; and four great-great-nieces, Kate Seelbach, Elliott Hosto, Celina DeGeeter and Kayla Stewart.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel Herman and Mary Frances Seelbach; two brothers, Lee and Joe Herman; and a brother-in-law, George A. Seelbach.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John's Breadline, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or the Springfield Public Library.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.StaabFamily.com.
