Mary E Hershberger

Mary Elizabeth Hershberger, 69, passed away at home in the company of her loved ones on Saturday, October 1, 2022, after nearly two years of cancer treatment. She was born on February 21, 1953, in Mishawaka, Indiana, the second of six children of W. Dale and Margery (Crofoot) Hershberger.

Mary enjoyed growing up on Petro Drive in a tight knit neighborhood surrounded by many children. It was there that she was given her first pony and that her love of horses began. She was a 1971 graduate of Penn High School where she developed friendships that remained constant throughout her lifetime. After a brief but memorable stay in Norman, Oklahoma, she returned to Indiana in her mid-twenties and eventually joined the family businesses, H/R Products and Superior Tool & Die. She worked as office manager alongside her father, brothers, uncles, cousins and friends and became a partner in 1997. She retired in 2018 after nearly 40 years of service.

Mary had a gregarious, energetic nature and genuine interest in people. Her gift of gab was second to none. Her life was marked by cherished friendships and a special love for her nieces and nephews. She was a defender and protector of those she loved. She was fiercely independent and lived life on her own terms. Gift giving was her “love language”. Generous to a fault, she took pleasure in delivering bagels, sending flowers, and giving sweets, clothing and various thoughtful gifts to family and friends. Many willing and grateful recipients have received a dog, a cat, or a pony.

Mary had a passion for animals, particularly Arabian horses and Tibetan Mastiffs. She was happiest in her barn cleaning stalls and working her horses with her dogs nearby. She enjoyed trail riding with friends at Potato Creek State Park and looked forward to spending time with friends at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show each February.

Mary’s love of sweets, particularly West End Bakery frosting, spurred a lifelong commitment to fitness and exercise. She worked out at several area gyms and studios and thoroughly enjoyed the company of other fitness enthusiasts that she came to know over the years. Throughout her illness she overcame many obstacles through sheer tenacity and a desire to remain active. Her dedication was inspiring to others.

Mary is survived by her loving mother, Margery; siblings, Thomas (Jan) Hershberger, Gina (Todd) Lehmann, Roy (Darci) Hershberger and Michelle “Mikki” (Quinn) Thurin; nieces and nephews, Kara (Paul) Sinders and their children Ava and Tripp, Travis (Miranda) Hershberger and their children Shiloh and Stockton, Hannah (fiance, Tim Deters) Lehmann, Teresa (Russell) Saputo and their son, RJ, Peter Lehmann, Jacob (Kristin Guzicki) Hershberger, Basil and Leo Thurin; friend and companion, Michael Sheehan; many aunts, uncles and cousins, innumerable friends and her treasured horse, Tru. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Dale, and infant brother, James Anthony. Her loyal dogs, Dracoe, Ayla, Tai and Finn and several horses also preceded her in death.

Mary’s family would like to express their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers and support throughout her illness and for the compassionate care provided by her medical team and caregivers. We will miss her dearly but remain hopeful that we will be reunited again.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4pm-7pm at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St. Mishawaka, IN, 46545. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10am at St. Bavo Church, 502 W. 7th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Our Lady of the Road, P. O. Box 4375, South Bend, IN 46634 or Reins of Life, Inc., 55200 Quince Rd., South Bend, IN 46619.

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