Eileen Catherine Herdina

Eileen Catherine Herdina (née Ferguson) passed away on July 1st 2025 peacefully at the age of 98. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, wisdom, charity and humor.

Eileen was born into a humble household on April 10th, 1927 in Akron, Ohio. Orphaned in the Great Depression at the age of twelve, she was perpetually grateful to her seven brothers and sisters for lovingly raising her through difficult circumstances. With their support she earned a degree in education at the University of Akron. In college and throughout her life, Eileen served on the boards of many community organizations, contributing her intellect, drive and style as she championed civil rights, arts education, and improved mental health services.

For 65 years she was the devoted wife and partner of Joseph C. Herdina. While Joe built his company, Reserve Roofing and Sheet Metal, Eileen continued her work in community service and raised their six children. In tribute to her philanthropic, business and domestic accomplishments she was crowned Mrs. Ohio of 1959. Eileen built a career in fashion, rising from fabric coordinator at the M. O'Neil company to co-founder of Rainbow Furs in 1973. She later joined her husband at Reserve Roofing, taking the leadership reins herself when Joe decided to launch a new venture. After many years of seasonal visits she and Joe took up year round residence in Savannah, Georgia in 1998. She served on the board of the Telfair Museum, was a member of the Chatham Club and a parishioner of St. John's Church. Eileen was renowned on Jones Street for her weekly porch parties.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph and sons Joseph, Stephen, and Mark. She is survived by children Mary, John, and Julia as well as children-in-law Patty, Peter, Linda, Karen, Lorna and Jay, many grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. A celebration of Eileen's extraordinary life is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Islands Feral Cat Project https://islandsferalcatproject.org/ or the Savannah Corps https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/savannah/ or Team Savannah for Veterans https://www.ts4v.com/, honoring her lifelong commitment to education and community service. Though she has left this world, her legacy endures in the lives she touched and the barriers she shattered.