Carolyn L. Herman, 81

April 06, 2025

Carolyn Louise (Wertman, Bailey) Herman died in Lancaster on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 81 years following a brief illness. She was the daughter of Mary “Frances” (Nelson) Wertman and T.A. Wertman and was proceeded in death by her siblings William Wertman and Marian (Wertman) Mason.

Born in Mercer, Pennsylvania she grew up as a resident of both Lancaster, PA and Wildwood, NJ, spending her summers at the shore, where her mother managed Kohr Bros Custard stores on the boardwalk. A 1961 graduate of JP McCaskey, she moved with her daughter to Wildwood Crest. There she began her career as a legal secretary, in which she distinguished herself for more than 50 years. She was the president of the Cape May County Legal Secretaries Association and held offices for the state level organization. She moved back to Lancaster to be near her family, continued her career, and became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving on the board of Donegal Chapter.

A lifelong beach and bird lover, Carolyn kept a beautiful home and was a gifted floral designer. Always meticulous about her appearance and appreciative of her privacy, she requested there be no services.

In her final days, she expressed regret for the years she spent prioritizing MAGA politics over her family. Fox News preyed on her vulnerabilities, turning a strong woman into someone fearful, combative, and isolated from her loved ones. In spite of this, her last moments were filled with love for, and from, her family.

She is survived by her “pride and joy” Renée L (Bailey) Gallagher (Daniel) and grandchildren Mary Frances, Annie, and Jeremiah Gallagher and Che (Gallagher) Wright (Jasmine); son Robert Bailey and grandchildren Justin (Danielle), Kevin, and Emily Bailey; as well as five great-grandchildren.