Cecile D. Hersh

Cecile (Donnely) Hersh passed away on August 5, 2024. She was born November 17, 1938 and raised in Taunton, MA, the 3rd of 9 children. She was a 1956 graduate of St. Mary's High School. In 1960 Cecile bravely enlisted in the Women's Air Force with the rank of Airmen 2nd Class, in the Air Research & Development Command. Cecile served as Secretary to the Chief of Airmen Personnel at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. for 2 years.

In 1965, Cecile met and married E. James Hersh, JR. They lived a very happy and adventurous life together for 38 years until his passing. They shared a love for music and traveling throughout the country and they were both dedicated veterans. Cecile also greatly enjoyed time spent with her 5 bonus children she gained through this marriage as well as her continuous contact with their children and grandchildren via the internet. She loved them all dearly as her own and was always so proud of their accomplishments.

Cecile was an active member of the American Legion in California, Florida and Massachusetts. She was tireless in volunteering her time and very passionate about serving her country. She was part of the foundation and development of Post #347 in Lady Lakes, FL, now the largest post in the world. She devoted countless hours of her time working as the Historian and Adjutant for the post. Ceil was awarded with an honorary life time membership before she moved back to her home town, Taunton, MA.

Cecile and Jim made many, many friends during their years living in PA, CA and FL. Cecile loved keeping in touch with so many via email when she returned to Taunton in her later years. She made new friends in Taunton and moved on to her favorite place in New Harmony, IN to be near her bonus daughter, Susie.

Cecile is preceded in death by her beloved husband, E. James Hersh Jr, her parents Maria (Boivin) Donnelly and Thomas E. Donnelly, sister, Lorraine Lopes, brothers, Phillip Donnelly, Thomas J. Donnelly and Joseph W. Donnelly, and her bonus Grandson, Nathan B. Porch. She is survived by her sisters, Maria Cramer of Rialto, CA, Ann Louise MacLean of Brockton, MA, Rita Camara of Taunton, MA and brother Louis Donnelly of Taunton, MA, bonus children Jim Hersh III of Annapolis, MD, Evelyne (Hersh) Entler of Temple, PA, John D. Hersh of Reno, Nevada, Susie E. Hersh of New Harmony, IN, and Barbara Hersh of Cabot, AR. She is also survived by her Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and many Nieces and Nephews.

Services will be held in Taunton, MA of Friday, August 30, 2024 for Cecile Donnelly Hersh and her brother, Joseph W. Donnelly, who passed earlier this year. A Memorial Mass will be said at 10:00 am at St. Jude The Apostle Church with a celebration of Life following at Segregansett Country Club.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com