In Loving Memory of Mary Katherine Hill Herold
April 7, 1967 – November 17, 2025
With a heavy heart, we share the passing of Mrs. Mary Katherine Hill Herold, age 58, of Raleigh, North Carolina. Mary passed from this earth to meet the Lord in the early morning of November 17, 2025, after courageously enduring brain cancer for just over two years. Her death leaves a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
Mary was born on April 7, 1967, in Brattleboro, Vermont, to Kenneth James Hill and Maureen Tuttle Hill. Her childhood was filled with paper routes, skiing, tennis, bonfires with the “Bratt Pack,” and cherished dinner table conversations with her siblings and parents. Losing her mother at a young age shaped her deeply, yet Mary carried that grief with grace and resilience throughout her life. Her journey took her across the country, moving eight times before finding the love of her life, Jim, in Pacifica, California. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Marin, in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Mary spent the last 22 years building a home filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.
Mary’s legacy is immense. She was a ray of sunshine, remembered for her joy, her laugh, her care, and her boundless energy. She was a second mother and aunt-figure to many, someone who made everyone feel seen, valued, and included. Her sincerity, optimism, and mischievous adventures left lasting impressions on all who crossed her path. She loved with selfless devotion, celebrated life with enthusiasm, and embodied strength and faith even in hardship. One of her greatest joys was being Marin’s mother. She embraced motherhood with wholeheartedness, whimsy, and sacrifice, leaving behind a legacy of love that her daughter will cherish forever.
Mary leaves behind her devoted husband of 40 years, Jim; her daughter, Marin, and son-in-law, Ryan; her siblings Joey (Linda), Jimmy (Linda), Jay, and Martha (Rodney); her sister-in-law, April; her lifelong friend, Kim (Neil); and many dear family and friends. She is welcomed into heaven by her Lord, her parents, her “bonus” mom Diane, and her brother Johnny.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward a memorial bench at Duke Gardens, a place of solace during her treatments.
RIP Mrs. Mary Katherine Hill Herold (1967–2025)
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