Maria Anna Herzog
Maria Anna Herzog “Ann,” age 88, resident of Oxnard for over 40 years, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2016 in Santa Barbara.
Ann was born on January 13, 1928 in the small mining town of Aguilar, CO to Richard and Josephine Wilson. Her father was a miner and with Josephine the parents of eight children. She was predeceased by baby sister, Bertha. Imagine eight children in a two bedroom house, chickens in the yard, coal fire stove, and outdoor plumbing in the cold Colorado winters. After Ann graduated from high school in 1946, she left Aguilar to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Graduating in 1953, Ann began her nursing career at the VA Center in Wadsworth, KS where she met her future husband, Robert Herzog, who worked as an orderly. Ann and Bob relocated to California and became parents to Deborah Ann and Robert John.
After 40 years as an RN in a variety of settings including Soledad Penitentiary, Napa Valley State Hospital, and Oxnard Community Hospital, Ann retired and settled in Oxnard. Not one to sit on her laurels, Ann traveled to China, Ireland, Scotland, Hawaii and Alaska. Closer to home, Ann enjoyed gardening, especially her orchids, watching old Westerns, and meeting new people through the Birthday Club. Ann became a grandmother to twins, Samuel and Julia in 1997.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Josephine, sister Mabel, brother David, and baby son, Carl.
Visitation will take place at Conrad’s & James Reardon Funeral home on Sunday, June 19th at 3:00pm, followed by the Rosary at 5:00pm with an opportunity to share stories, and memories of Ann. A reception will follow in the guest center. Mass will be held at Santa Clara Catholic Church on Monday morning, June 20th at 10:00am, and burial at Santa Clara Cemetery immediately thereafter.
Ann is survived by her two children, John in Santa Barbara, and Deborah (Michael Finger), grandchildren Samuel and Julia Finger, in Boca Raton, FL, and former husband, Robert Herzog in Goleta. Also survived by brothers James (Melinda) and Richard, sisters Josie and Pauline, and many friends.