Sara Jane Herb

GETTYSBURG Sara Jane Herb, 87, lifelong resident of Lebanon, died Monday morning, February 27, 2012, in Gettysburg, after several months of declining health. She had spent the last few weeks in the care of the Gettysburg Lutheran Retirement Village. Born in Lebanon, in 1924, to Elizabeth and Aloysius Kirkessner, she was one of six children, having four sisters and a brother. She married Austin Herb on New Years Eve 1945, in Lebanon, and they settled in the South Lebanon community the rest of their lives. Her husband, a WWII veteran and career U.S. Postal Service employee, preceded her in death in 1981. She is survived by two children, James J. of Portland, Ore., and Joan M. Leedy of Gettysburg. She was preceded in death by a son, Dennis. She is also survived by five grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Sara Jane, or "Sedie", as she was known to her family and friends, was a 1942 graduate of Lebanon High school and member of St. James Lutheran Church in Lebanon. After raising her family, she worked part time cleaning the Dauphin Deposit branch on State Drive for many years. She enjoyed being around her family, friends, and neighbors and was enjoyed for her positive outlook and gregarious and generous nature. She did needlepoint and mostly gave away her beautiful work to others. She also enjoyed reading, collecting angels, shopping, and visiting favorite restaurants. For many years she was active in the class of 1942 reunions and get togethers. And, at one time she was an avid Philadelphia 76's fan. A memorial service for Sara Jane will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in Lebanon on Friday, March 2, 2012, at 2 p.m. All remembrances for her life should be made to St. James Lutheran Church.