Tributes

Mental health advocate Margery May Hebert (nee Pittenger), 84, died July 13, 2007 of lung cancer in Germantown, formerly of St. Davids, where she has been residing for the past 18 months. Mrs. Hebert has been called a pioneer for her grassroots efforts to establish both the Main Line chapter of the NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) as well as a Pennsylvania chapter of PLAN (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network), both organizations set up to help families and loved ones dealing with mental disabilities. One member of NAMI Main Line praised Mrs. Hebert saying, "She was so informative and very supportive through the years…She helped many people and was the organizing force in NAMI Main Line and transformed it into the group it became. We always will remember her sharp intellect and her interest in the life and activities around her." A few years ago, with her own health failing, Mrs. Hebert's concern for the mentally disabled was unflagging when she rallied advocates to successfully protest Bryn Mawr Hospital's proposed closure of its psychiatric ward, a move which would have forced those in crisis to drive to Paoli for help. A 45-year resident of St. Davids, Mrs. Hebert was born in Milford, Michigan where she was spent her childhood living on the premises of the General Motor's Proving Grounds because her father was the division's electrician. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class and regularly attended her class reunions through 2000. She began but did not finish her studies at Michigan State University, instead opting to settle down with Louisiana transplant Martin Hebert. In the late 1940's the Heberts left Michigan for Oak Ridge, Tennessee, then lived in Cincinnati for 9 years and finally settled down in St. Davids as the family of five followed Mr. Hebert's career with General Electric as a missile and space engineer. Soon after relocating to Radnor Township, Mrs. Hebert and her husband joined up with the New Look grassroot political campaign which altered the course of Radnor politics. For many years Mrs. Hebert served as a clerk in both the Wayne and Ardmore public libraries, a job she loved. In addition to her advocacy efforts, Mrs. Hebert's other interests and talents included being a skilled bridge player, a great gardener, a reader and crossword puzzler, an artistic crocheter, an enthusiastic Phillies fan as well as a loving mother and wife and grandmother. Mrs. Hebert is predeceased by her husband, Martin Hebert, Jr., and is survived by her children and spouses Martin and Kathy Hebert of Germantown, Roy Hebert of Norristown, Susan Hebert and Michael Palmieri of Bloomfield, New Jersey, and by her grandchild, Jodi Hebert of Connecticut. Her Funeral Service will be held on Fri. July 20 at 12 noon in Wayne United Methodist Church, 210 South Wayne Ave. , where you may call after 11:30 in the Church Parlor. Int. Washington Memorial Chapel Cem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to NAMI PA, Main Line, 320 Woodley Road, Merion Station, PA 19066-1413. Chadwick and McKinney Funeral Home www.chadwickmckinney.com

Tributes

Margery May Hebert

April 11, 1923 - July 13, 2007