Frances L. Herbel

Frances Lynn (Marcinko) Herbel, 71, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, following a brave and determined battle with health complications. Despite the many challenges she faced, Fran remained full of hope and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was surrounded by her family in her final days, with her children by her side, as she was reunited with their father.

Frances was born on February 2, 1955, in Pennsylvania, the eldest daughter of Frank and Rachel Marcinko of McKean, PA. She was the second eldest of eight siblings, and family was the foundation of her life. She cherished decades of memories filled with picnics, holidays, and large family gatherings.

Fran graduated from General McLane High School in 1973. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she pursued a career in nursing, attending St. Vincent School of Nursing and graduating in 1976. Upon completion of her degree she married her high school sweetheart Vaughn (Mike) Herbel June 12, 1976 and they would be an inseparable pair until Mike’s passing in 2024.

In early 1984, Fran and her husband Mike made the difficult decision to leave Pennsylvania and their support system to seek better opportunities for their growing family. That year, a family caravan traveled from Northwestern Pennsylvania to Virginia, helping the Herbels settle in Chesterfield County. After relocating, Fran attended John Tyler Community College in the evenings and earned her Associate Degree in Nursing. She worked at several hospitals in the Richmond area and spent many years as a private-duty nurse for a disabled individual.Nursing, in many forms, would remain her lifelong passion.

Fran’s compassion and strength were never more evident than when she lovingly cared for her husband, Vaughn, nursing him for months as cancer gradually took away his abilities. It was one of the bravest acts her children ever witnessed. She remained a devoted caretaker until Vaughn’s passing on August 23, 2024.

Fran’s favorite hobbies included, spending time with family, shopping for deals and raising African violets.Fran was also known as an exceptional cook by all who knew her. Her specialties included spaghetti and meatballs, chicken noodle soup with homemade polenta, and her husband’s favorite—breaded pork chops. Growing up in a large family, Fran always cooked as if she were feeding ten, even when her Virginia household numbered only four. There were always leftovers. She was especially renowned for her chocolate chip cookies, which—spoiler alert—her children discovered after her passing came straight from the back of the chocolate chip bag (though they firmly believe the salted butter made all the difference).

Fran was a devoted follower of Christ and member of the Catholic church since birth.She was an active member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church of Powhatan Virginia. She prayed the rosary daily and pivoted to watching church on T.V. in the wake of the Covid outbreak. Her faith and her family were cornerstones of her life.

Nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with her grandson, Charlie. Whether they were playing together, laughing until everyone else joined in, or heading out to buy toys, Charlie filled her days with joy and kept her smiling. Charlie was a constant source of laughter for her and gave her hope for better days.

Fran is survived by her son, Michael Vaughn Herbel, his wife Kara, and her beloved grandson Charlie; and her daughter, Jamie Lynn Herbel, along with her cherished fur babies, Crosby and Roo.

She is also survived by her siblings: Stevan Marcinkoof McKean, PA; Debbe Marcinko of Pittsburgh, PA; Patrick Marcinko and his wife Dolores of Fairview, PA; Thomas Marcinko and his wife Debbie of McKean, PA; Michael Marcinko and his wife Heidi of Cambridge Springs, PA; Linda Stonis and her husband David of Edinboro, PA; Sally Bayer and her husband Robert of North Ridgeville, OH; and Ruth Skonieczki of Erie, PA, widow of Timothy Skonieczki.

She is further survived by her sisters-in-law: Deborah Herbel of Conneaut, OH; Barbara Herbel Jones and her husband Dennis of Edinboro, PA; Gretchen Herbel Schlosser of Edinboro, PA; and brother-in-law Gene Schlosser of Waterford, PA.

Services will be held June 12, 2026 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 8880 Main St Mckean, PA 16462. Family visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 with a memorial mass to follow at 2:00pm A private family luncheon will follow location TBD. June 12th would have been Frances and Mike's 50th wedding anniversary. Friends of Frances and Vaughn who may have lost touch over the years are encouraged to reach out to her son Michael or daughter Jamie so they may be included in the festivities (Mherbel79@gmail.com) ( jamie_herbel@yahoo.com), Especially if they have any compromising stories about their parents. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to join a local blood drive or consider donating to The SVS Foundation(Society for Vascular Surgery) in her honor.   Arrangements Entrusted to WM. SLATER & SONS INC., Mt. Washington, 412-381-3345.