Florence Mildred Hillman Herbst's Obituary
Florence Mildred Hillman Herbst, 94, died peacefully surrounded by family on February 12, 2024 in Midland, MI. She was a loving and fun, vivacious woman with a strong and independent spirit.
Florence was born in Cass City, Michigan where she lived for most of her childhood. She graduated 3rd in her high school class and played the trombone in band. She moved to Kalamazoo, MI to attend nursing school at Bronson Hospital/Western Michigan University where she graduated top of her class in Registered Nursing. It was at Bronson Hospital where she met her beloved husband of 36 years, Irwin Herbst. After marriage, they moved to Ohio then Virginia for a short time. Most of her life, however, was spent living in Algonac, MI where she raised her family and worked as a cherished nurse in a local doctor’s office. After retiring as a nurse, Florence worked at Crystal’s clothing store for 10 years. She volunteered for the Pearl Beach Lioness Club as well.
Her hobbies included camping as a young family, travel, crafts, going to art shows and cultural events, reading, watching freighters move along the St. Clair River, and spending time with family and friends. In her later years, she had a keen interest in the TV show Pitbulls and Parolees.
She is survived by her 3 children: James Herbst (Cheryl) of Azalea, OR, Jill Gervin of Farwell, MI, and Tracy Wills (Daniel) of Melbourne, FL; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; nephews Richard (Dick) Heronemus, and Jeffery Herbst; nieces Judy Heronemus Harrier (Ronald) and Sandi Rosenauer, (Myron); plus 5 great nieces/nephews and 4 great, great nieces/nephews.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Irwin Herbst; her mother, Cora Hillman; her Aunt, Arlene Hillman; her father, Alvah Hillman; her 2 sisters, Helen Howard and Shirley Heronemous; 2 brothers-in-law and son-in-law, Dennis Gervin.
Memorial services will be held in on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Young-Gilbert Funeral Home 1422 Michigan, Algonac, MI, 48001. Visiting hours will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. All are welcome to come join in her celebration of life. Donations can be made to Villalobos Rescue Center/Life 4 Paws which is the non-profit organization affiliated with Pitbulls and Parolees (https://vrcpitbull.com/how-you-can-help/donations/), your local Humane Society or Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS).
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