Mary Lou Herbst

Mary Lou (Szajna) Herbst, 75, of Saxonburg, passed away Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years and lifelong companion, Ken; and sons, Scott (Dawn), of Saxonburg, and Brett (Michelle), of Plum. The joy of Mary Lou's life was her three grandchildren, Cameron, of Pittsburgh, Jack, of Pittsburgh, and her "Angel Baby" Adelyn, of Plum. Mary Lou grew up in New Kensington, the first daughter of the late Walter and Betty Szajna. The fourth of five children, she is the sister of Debbie (Nancy Smith) and the late Gil, Wally (Sandy) and Chuck; and is also survived by her sister-in-law, Cathy; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She graduated from New Ken High School in 1966, where she enjoyed being on the cheerleading squad. She went on to study French education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she met the love of her life, Ken, when she was 18 years young. After graduating, Mary Lou found work for L'Eggs Pantyhose, where she built her career in management. She stayed with L'Eggs until retiring in 2005. Mary Lou married Ken in May 1969. In the summer of 1974, they moved to Saxonburg, where their family continued to grow. She lived in their family home until she passed away. Mary Lou was very active in the church, never hesitating to give her time and talent in many outreaches and prayer groups. She found a niche working in the Cursillo Ministry weekends, where she bonded with the staff and participants. Anyone who had the pleasure to know Mary Lou simply loved her. She was easy to love and will be missed tremendously. To best honor Mary Lou, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or Magee Women's Cancer Research of UPMC. A memorial service will be planned for the future at Christ Our Hope Anglican Church, in Natrona Heights. Arrangements are entrusted to SOXMAN FUNERAL HOMES LTD.