Ethel R.

Hershiser

Omaha — Ethel Rose Hershiser, 94, of Omaha, formerly of O'Neill, died peacefully Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Visitation will be held from 5-7p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 p.m. parish rosary.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Schools in Ethel's name.

Ethel was a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to kindness, resilience and community spirit. Ethel was born on Sept. 24, 1929, in Sioux City, Iowa to Vincent and Erma (Nozicka) Suchy. Vincent had immigrated to America from Czechoslovakia. Ethel grew up in O'Neill and attended St. Mary's Academy through eighth grade and graduated from O'Neill Public High School in 1947.  

Ethel met Floyd Hershiser after he returned from serving in the U.S. Navy. Ethel and Floyd were married on Sept. 19, 1949.

Ethel was a devoted mother to her three children Jeannine, David and Daniel. Her unwavering love and support shaped their lives, and she instilled in them the values of compassion and generosity. Tragedy struck when Ethel lost her beloved husband Floyd in 1980. Despite this profound loss, she remained remarkably positive, a beacon of strength for her family and friends.

Ethel's life was marked by her active involvement in the community. Not only did she work tirelessly to support her family, but she also loved to socialize, and her warm smile and open heart endeared her to everyone she met. A true embodiment of kindness, Ethel was always ready to lend a helping hand. Her small acts of compassion touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on her community.  

Ethel was an active member of St. Patrick's Church and School. She served on several committees as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for 69 years, she served in the Altar Society helping with funeral luncheons and she was an Associate with the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, the religious community of her daughter. Ethel also belonged to several Bridge Clubs and the Red Hat Club.

When Ethel transitioned to independent living in Omaha in 2016 to be closer to her family, her leadership qualities shone brightly. She was instantly recognized as a leader and mentor, appointed as the ambassador to greet new residents. Her welcoming spirit eased their acclimation, making them feel at home. Ethel made many new friends and thoroughly enjoyed her new community.

Ethel's five grandchildren adored her. She showered them with love, wisdom and her famous baked treats. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and laughter, where memories were baked into every cookie and cake. On her 80th birthday, Ethel embarked on a high-flying adventure—an exhilarating hot air balloon ride. Accompanied by her granddaughter and son, she soared above the world, embracing life's beauty from a new perspective.

Ethel's legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the smiles she shared, and the love she generously gave. May her memory be a source of inspiration for us all.

Ethel is survived by her daughter Sister Jeannine Hershiser of Omaha; two sons David (Margaret) Hershiser and Daniel (Julie) Hershiser, all of Omaha; five grandchildren Roslyn Hershiser and husband David Caprile of Chicago, IL, Hannah Hershiser of Omaha, Olivia Hershiser and husband Daniel Sundaram of Reno, NV, Eli Hershiser and fiancé Petra Jarrar of Ridgewood Queens, NY, and Jacob Hershiser and partner Laura Shockley of Fort Collins, CO; five nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd and her parents Vince and Erma Suchy.