Miriam Esther Hershey Herr, wife of the late founder of Herr Foods Inc., died on Sept. 4 at age 89.
Miriam Herr’s husband, James S. Herr, died in 2012 at age 87. He founded the snack food company in Lancaster County in 1946, and married, Miriam – or “Mim” to her family and friends – in 1947.
Mim was the matriarch of the Herr family and a pillar to the Herr’s company, an obituary on the company’s website said. She served on the company’s board.
Through the James S. Herr Foundation and other charitable organizations, Mim gave back to the community. The foundation provides financial support to more than 1,000 organizations annually.
She was an active member of Mount Vernon Christian Church in Lancaster County for nearly 70 years.
Mim and James had five children: June, James, Edwin, Gene Herr and Martha. Two of the Herr children, James and Edwin , lead Herr Foods; James as executive chairman and Edwin as president and CEO.
The couple also is survived by 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
Herr Foods employs about 1,500 people and makes 340 snack products that are sold around the world.
Although Herr Foods started in Lancaster County, the company is now headquartered in Chester County.
