A fiery soul of light and love has gone to shine forever in the heavens this week.

Catherine Ann Herman, 64, has passed on after a lengthy and intense battle against cancer.  She fought with unwavering bravery and with a determination and zest that she did in most endeavors in her life.  She was devoted to her family and friends and wanted to savor every moment she could have with them, and now she can rest.

Born Catherine Ann McCarney, she was number six of eight children by Lorraine and Joseph McCarney, and had her mother's kind face and her father's intensity and directness.  She grew up in Media, PA her entire life and she mentioned meeting her husband, Steve Herman, many times throughout her youth before they finally met and married. This past June, they celebrated 41 years together.

She played many roles in her life- daughter, sister, friend, ballroom dancer, artist, childcare provider, wife, aunt, mother, and her most treasured role- grandmom.

Her final days were filled with love and tearful goodbyes by some of the most loyal, devoted and kind people most people would be blessed to know a fraction of.  She spent her days surrounded by love and she died what philosophers call "the good death" – one that was peaceful, surrounded by loved ones, with no regrets.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Stephen Herman; her children Danielle Herman of Manheim, PA, Stephen A. Herman of Phoenixville, PA and Ann Marie Holmes of Brookhaven, PA; and five wonderful grandchildren Ace T. Cohen, Jeremy Holmes Jr., Emily Holmes, Ethan Holmes & Allyson Holmes. She is also survived by her siblings Ellen Hanway, Carol Clark, Maureen Decker, Henry McCarney, Thomas McCarney, Eileen Baker, and Daniel McCarney and her most loyal friends.

Friends and family are invited to Catherine's Memorial Service on Saturday, August 10th at Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home on 4th Street. There will be a calling from 9:30 - 11 am followed by a service at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org

Arrangements provided by Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com