Margaret Rose Herb

Margaret Rose Herb

October 4, 1957-August 18, 2025

Margaret was born on October 4, 1957 in Nashville, Tennessee, to John and Vernon Herb. An excellent student all her life, she attended St. Bernard Academy, receiving a rigorous education that served her well for college, culminating in a MA with honors in Education from Webster University.

Margaret was a gifted and supportive teacher who thoroughly enjoyed her students and celebrated their progress and achievements. She began her teaching career in the City of St. Louis, then Valley Park, MO, and the Rittnour School district in St. Ann, MO, where she taught Gifted and Talented students. She had a powerful impact on her students as evidenced by the many thank you notes and letters from both parents and students. The annual tea party she held every spring was legendary. Her feelings about her students and teaching was encapsulated perfectly by a sentence on a page of paper in the carriage of an antique typewriter in her sunroom that simply said “I love my students.”

Having grown up in Nashville, and later living in Pasadena, CA, and NYC as a young adult, Margaret developed an appreciation of music, art, theater, and later with the influence of her long-time sweetheart, Michael, cooking, good food, the joys of motorcycle rides on country roads, and in the pursuit of fly fishing for trout, trips to the beautiful places where trout live. Summers spent as a young girl on hergrandparent’s farm in Tennessee resulted in an impressive understanding of older folk ways and traditions.

The beginning of Summer was a special time when closed toe shoes were happily exchanged for Birkenstocks, cute sandals, a pedicure appointment with Nicky, her long time manicurist, and a stack of books to be read. She was also a regular reader of the New Yorker, and more often than not, prevailed over the crossword puzzle in every edition. She was an ace at trivia and a top choice for any team that wanted an edge.

Come Winter, her kitchen was transformed into a veritable cookie factory. A talented baker, if you were in Margaret’s orbit you undoubtedly experienced first-hand the delicious cookies and cakes she generously shared on so many occasions.

During her retirement Margaret had the time to take numerous road trips in the U.S. and a number of international destinations with a group of dear lady friends.

Margaret was dedicated to the 12 Step Path to Recovery where she found a supportive and compassionate fellowship with a diverse variety of people. As she developed in her journey she gave back to many who appreciated her humor and non-judgmental spirit. She will be deeply sorely missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, John and Vernon Herb, and one sister, Francis. She is survived by her daughter, Lara (Ryan), four sisters, Mary Jo (Chuck), Nancy, Catherine (Jack), Therese, one brother, John (Kathleen), and numerous nephews and nieces.

Memorial services will take place on Saturday, October 4 at 11 am at Calvary Cemetery in Nashville, TN.