Mary J. Herbertz

Mary J. Herbertz, a cherished member of her community and a beloved matriarch, peacefully departed from this world on November 27, 2024, at the age of 96, surrounded by her loving family in Greenwood, Indiana. Mary was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Joseph & Roberta Bordenkecher, on September 6, 1928. 

Mary grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and attended St. Philip Neri grade school. She graduated high school in 1946 from St. Mary’s Academy. For thirteen years, she worked at Crane Company on the sales floor. Mary married her husband Frank in 1957, and they were married for over 57 years at the time he passed in June of 2015. Together they built a family on the southside of Indianapolis. They were charter members of St. Barnabas Church, and Mary remained a member of the parish until her passing. 

Those who knew Mary can fondly remember her close bond with her sister, Martha. They shared not only sisterly affection but also enduring friendship. Mary was an avid reader, and she enjoyed playing Scrabble and card games like euchre and Tripoley as well as the occasional jigsaw puzzle. She loved the Waltons, Lawrence Welk, the Andy Griffith Show and the Colts. 

Mary looked forward to gathering the family on a variety of occasions. Christmas was particularly special for her as she treasured her annual "Cousins Christmas" and singing Christmas carols with her family circled around the piano. Year round music filled her home, especially the delightful melodies of Liberace, which brought a smile to her face. 

Mary is remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will also be remembered by her family for her deep faith and prayer life. She prayed the Rosary daily, and had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Blessed Mother, and St. Jude. She was known to pray often for her loved ones and others in need. Her selflessness and nurturing spirit touched the hearts of many, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. As we gather to celebrate her life, we take comfort in knowing that she will forever be with us in spirit, watching over her loved ones with the same care she always showed.

Mary is survived by her children; Eileen (Joe) Horan, Chris (Kim) Herbertz, Daniel (Amy) Herbertz, John (Mary) Herbertz, and Andy Herbertz, grandchildren; Stephanie (Joey) Newton, Tracey Horan SP, Matt (Jay) Horan, Rachel (Will Ham) Horan, Mike (Brooke) Horan, Beth (Pete) Yoder, Ryan (Misty Moench) Herbertz, Sarah (Evan) Hembree, Jackson Herbertz, Greta (Nicholas Pointer) Herbertz, Jonah Herbertz, Ben (Logan Moss) Herbertz, Grace Herbertz, Gabi Herbertz, Lydia Herbertz, and Mateo Herbertz, great-grandchildren; Eliza, Vivienne, Sylvie, Zoey, Charleston, Theo, Lila, Cora, Aiden, Hattie, and Caroline, 

Mary is preceded in death by her loving husband, Franklin Herbertz, granddaughter; Regina Herbertz, great-grandson; Franklin, son-in-law; Terry Becker, and sister; Martha Haddin.

Visitation will take place on December 2, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, located at 6107 S East St, Indianapolis, Indiana. A Mass in her honor will follow on December 3, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana, with entombment at Calvary Cemetery immediately following Mass.

As we bid farewell to Mary J. Herbertz, let us carry forward her legacy of love, friendship, and faith, celebrating the beautiful life she lived and the many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Mary's honor to: St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Rd., Indianapolis, Indiana 46217.

Please visit www.orileybranson.com to sign our online guestbook or to leave a memory of Mary.