Obituary

Jean Marie Herber passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16^th 2023 at her home in Laguna Hills, California. She was 97 years old. A beloved matriarch, adored by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends for her kindness, sense of humor and positive attitude. Her family joked that they all hoped to inherit “Jean’s Genes” since she never missed a beat – remaining sharp, joyful and active into her 97^th year.

Jean enjoyed traveling the world, family visits and celebrations, cocktail hour, sweets, bratwurst and long walks on the beach. She had the most memorable laugh and sweetest midwestern accent. Her faith was central to her daily life, providing peace and stability through good times and bad.

Born in Withee, Wisconsin to Leo and Bertha Carey, Jean lived most of her adult life in Tucson, Arizona before moving to California where she lived for the remaining 25 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two husbands: Richard Smith and Bernard Herber, her sister: Mary Boland, and two brothers: Patrick and Michael Carey. She is survived by her 5 children: Kathy Smith-DiJulio (Don), Sandra Jacoby (Ralph), Michael Smith (Beth), Mary Rahmahtulla (Joel) and Ann Aguilar (Bernard), 12 grandchildren Carey DiJulio (Ron), Bianca DiJulio (Andy), Hilleary Williams (Michael), Laura Metzger (Derek), Nicholas Niiro, Madeline Devereux (James), Andrew Niiro (Abby), Margarite Vejar (Ramon), Matthew Lang, Austin Lang, Christopher Aquilar, and Noah Aguilar. In addition, 9 great grandchildren: Violet Freeberg, Clark Metzger, Ruby Freeberg, Dagny Williams, Reid Metzger, Owen Williams, Louisa Devereux, Sydney Devereux and Nathan Niiro.

She was an inspiration to all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, Jean’s family requests that you consider a donation to a charity to help the poor, such as
Habitat for Humanity
Doctors Without Borders
Catholic Relief Services
Second Harvest Food Bank