Marie Herbst, 85, of Ocean Grove, died Monday, Jan. 3 , 2011, at the MediCenter, Neptune City. Born Marie Nixon on Oct. 29, 1925 in Jersey City, Mrs. Herbst graduated from the New Jersey State Teachers College at Jersey City, currently New Jersey City University. She taught elementary school until 1947, when she married Frederick W. Herbst, her loving husband of 61 years, who died in April of 2009. After many years in New Jersey, Marie and Fred moved to Montgomery, Alabama with his company and summered in Ocean Grove until Fred retired and they returned to Ocean Grove for good. Marie was very active in and generous to the Ocean Grove Historical Society and Beautification Program.

A member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Marie is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Chapman and son-in-law, Allan Chapman of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; her son, Eric Herbst and daughter-in-law Denise Keller of Bellville, Texas; and her grandchildren, Carrie Chapman of Brooklyn, James Chapman and granddaughter-in-law, Kaitlin Chapman and great-grandson, Phineas Chapman of Glenville, N.Y.; and grandchildren, Jaclyn Herbst and Andrew Herbst, both of Bellville, Texas.Relatives and friends may call from 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 until the funeral services at 4 p.m. at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Ave., Ocean Grove. Interment will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10 at the East Ridgelawn Cemetery, 255 Main Ave., Delawanna, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Jersey Shore Arts Center, P.O. Box 55, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.