Obituary for Madeline Sherbon

YOUNGSTOWN - Prayers will begin Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Brendan Church, for Madeline H. Sherbon, 87, formerly of Youngstown’s west side, who died early Saturday afternoon at Shepherd of the Valley Care Center.

Madeline was born Dec. 20, 1927, the daughter of John T. and Catherine (Casey) Higgins.

Madeline graduated with the first class of North High School in 1946. She began working for Hoover Products and then worked at the General Electric plant in Youngstown, producing light bulbs. In her later life, she managed the Ultimate Hair Salon for her daughter. While raising her family, Madeline was a homemaker and volunteer with the PTA for Youngstown City Schools. Many will remember her from her time spent volunteering at the election polls at Chaney High School. She had been a long-time member of St. Brendan Church.

She married her husband, William Sherbon, on July 12, 1952. They lovingly bickered for 53 years, until Bill’s death on July 2, 2005.

She is survived by three daughters, Cheryl (Larry) Grossi of Rootstown, with whom Madeline made her home, Karen Bowden-Bilas (Denny) of Columbiana and Laurie (Gene) Serenko of Boardman; and nine grandchildren, Lauren (Joe) Persichetti, Kara (Brian) McNamee, Brian (Lauren) Grossi, Katelyn, William, Beau and Christian Bowden, Rachel (Matt) Batcho and Jamie (Joe) Fairley; and an adopted granddaughter, Krista Batcho. Madeline was also the proud great-grandmother of seven, with an eighth on the way.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, William; a brother, John “Jack” Higgins; and two sisters, Marie Ruble and Mildred Misel.

Those who knew Madeline will always remember her for her feisty Irish spirit. Madeline spent her final years at Shepherd of the Valley, which she loved calling home.

Her family would like to thank all of Madeline’s angels, as she liked to call them, from Shepherd of the Valley for all their loving care. They truly became her second family. To all she saw, Madeline wished a happy day.

Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Making Kids Count in Madeline’s name