Maria T. Herbst

Maria T. Herbst (nee Melz), age 90 of Wayne, died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Maria grew up in Gottschee, a region of Austria. Her formative years were generally pleasant, living on the family farm with her parents, Louis and Theresa, and older brothers Louis Jr. and Joseph. However, the events of World War II changed things, to say the least. They lost their home and became displaced persons, and in the late 1940s, her family made the bold move from Austria to Queens, New York, where other family members had already settled. Her new neighborhood in the Ridgewood section of Queens was largely made up of Austrian immigrants from the Gottschee region. It was here, in Queens, that Maria met Walter Herbst, also from Gottschee. After a brief courtship, they were married in 1956 and began to raise a family together. Walter’s career soon required a move, and they settled in Wayne, New Jersey, in 1965. Maria and Walter were able to travel throughout their 67 years of marriage and returned to visit Austria on several occasions.

Maria was an extremely devoted wife and mother. She cooked fantastic meals every day, drove her sons to all their sporting events and activities, and enjoyed bowling and playing volleyball. She was a lunch-mother at DePaul High School for more than a decade. Maria also had a natural aura that kids gravitated to. Many of her children’s friends adored her and loved spending time at the Herbst house where she made everyone feel like part of the family.  Maria was an extremely selfless person as she always put the needs of her sons and family ahead of her own.

Maria was an exceptional cook and especially enjoyed holiday and weekend family gatherings.    It brought her great pleasure to have her family and friends gather at her home.  She was very close with her brothers and their families as well as her husband’s brother’s family.  

Maria’s grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her to a new level of joy, and she would do anything for each of them. They will never forget the special bond they shared with her, and they will carry those memories throughout their lifetime.

Maria was the glue that lovingly pulled her family together and kept everyone close. She will be dearly missed by all of them.

Maria is survived by her three sons; Walter Herbst and his wife Margaret, James Herbst and his wife Debra, and Robert Herbst; six grandchildren, Michael, Diana, Andrew, Eric, Jackson, Tessa, and eight great-grandchildren, Julia, Emily, Ryan, Norah, Colin, Jonah, Eva, and Noah.  She was predeceased by her husband Walter in 2023, and by both of her brothers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the CTC Academy, 125 Bauer Drive, Oakland, NJ, 07436, would be appreciated.