Mary Ann Herczeg

Mary Ann Herczeg

July 1, 1920 - April 10, 2011

Mary Ann Plebani Herczeg formerly of Freemansburg and then Miller Heights died from a courageous battle with aggressive breast cancer on Sunday April 10 at Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem where she had been a resident for the past 15 years.

She was the wife of the late George Herczeg Sr. for 56 years until his passing in 1996 and his caregiver for 27 years at their home. Born in Freemansburg on July 1, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Luigi and Mamie Miller Plebani.

Mary was her mother's caregiver at her home for many years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Miller Heights. Mary was preceded in death by her step-sister Theresa, step-brother Angelo, his wife Thelma Fritz Madalena and Mary's loving soul mate, brother Louis and his wife Irene Konkolics Plebani of Freemansburg, and brother-in-law John Ringhoffer of Camp Hill.

Mary was a devoted caregiver all her life to family and friends, even while she was a resident of Holy Family Manor, she cared about the staff caregivers and other residents. Her love for others was evident in the fact that she was a nurse's aide at Allentown State Hospital and then Muhlenburg Medical Center, Bethlehem until her retirement in 1990. Mary was gracious and helpful to all and was always present to provide assistance or a helping hand in any way she could.

Mary will be remembered for this sharing of her love and hugs by her special saying to family, friends and her own caregivers "I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck." Mary's will also be remembered for her way of saying good-bye "See you later alligator, after while crocodile." She will be missed for she touched many lives and will definitely never be forgotten because she was a one-of-a kind mother, sister, aunt and friend. Her sons had to make a promise to Mary during her last few days, that they will "never forget her and to remember she will always love them and be with them."

Survivors:

Her sons, George Herczeg, Jr. and his wife Carmella Rentz Herczeg of Macungie and Louie Herczeg of Margate, Florida, formerly of Clifton Township PA. Mary was endearingly proud with a bit of humor to refer to her sons as her two bald headed sons and especially Louie as "Screwy Louie" thanks to his brother George.

Sisters Gloria Plebani Ringhoffer of Camp Hill, and Theresa Plebani Merlo and husband Nicholas Merlo of Phillipsburg, NJ.

Grandchildren, George Peter, Melisa Ann, Gregory James and wife Michelle, and Glenn Richard, and especially her canine grandchildren Snow and Buzz, who loved to give Mary many "Licks and Kisses."

Great-Grandchildren, Gabrielle Paige, Hillary Lynn and Rian Gregory.

And many nephews and nieces, especially Gloria Jean Madalena, who was Mary's very special niece and Carmen Ramos of Whitehall and Regina Madalena of Freemansburg.

Mary's deepest and loving Thank You to Holy Family Grace Mansion and Holy Family Manor Nursing and Nurse's Aide Staff for their devoted care they gave to her, especially Rob Carrigal and Sandy Becker.

Services:

Calling Hours at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Friday 7 to 9 PM with the Rosary at 6:30 PM led by Sister Virginelle Makos of Bethlehem followed by a prayer vigil led by Father Cliff Bishop, Chaplain of Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem. Also, calling hour at Holy Family Manor Chapel, 1200 Spring St. Bethlehem PA, 18018 on Saturday from 12 to 1 PM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 PM.

Interment will be at Holy Savior Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 5005 LBJ Freeway Suite 250 Dallas TX 75244 and/or Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem.