FA L L 2 0 2 4
Blue Slipper
WIDOWS’ GUILD
STORIES
Connie Herman
She found herself visiting the store again and again to see if Bob would ask her out. He eventually did, and the two were married in 1974. When Bob passed away in 2016, Connie was in a tough place emotionally and physically, as she navigated life without him. Two of her biggest challenges were expensive home repairs she didn’t know how she was going to cover and when her son faced serious medical issues. “Being a widow is very difficult,” Connie said. “I miss him every day.”
THERE When YOU Need Them For Connie and Brother Bob Herman, Masonic activities were a way of life for them as kids and then as a married couple raising their own son. Generations of their family were actively involved in fraternal groups, and so it was only natural that the Masonic fraternity was there for Connie in a time of need. Bob was a 50-year member of Steelton-Swatara Lodge No. 775, Perseverance Royal Arch Chapter No. 21, Harrisburg Consistory and Tall Cedars Forest 43, and was in DeMolay as a child. Connie was in Rainbow Girls before joining the Order of the Eastern Star. Their son, Bob Jr., started in DeMolay and is now a member of Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey, as well as several appendant bodies. Both Connie and Rob had extended family members involved in fraternal groups.
She connected with Linda Jackson, director of philanthropic and widows support, after another widow recommended Connie reach out to her.
“She’s wonderful to talk to,” Connie said. “She set me up with the Widows’ Guild, and I’ve been so happy. I was very warmly accepted, and I’ve made some new friends.” It was after attending one of the Widows’ Guild luncheons that she met Nick Mahler, vice president of the Office of Mission Advancement and Development. He informed the group of various benefits through the Masonic Outreach Program. Connie talked with him about the troubles she was having at home, and Outreach was able to assist with some home repairs. “It was a tremendous help to me. I don’t know where I’d be without them,” she said. “They bent over backwards to help me. I’m so appreciative of it.”
“My Masonic influence started at an early age,” Connie said. “It always meant a great deal to me because it’s one of the finest organizations you can belong to.”
Belonging to a fraternal organization like the Freemasons provides members with engagement and growth, as well as priceless benefits like lifelong assurances and friendships. For a widow like Connie, the fraternity has been there for her through good times and bad.
Connie met Bob when she needed a tape recorder to record her grandfather’s church services, and she visited the electronic wholesaler where Bob worked.
“I thank them for the friendships, outstanding activities and their willingness to help,” Connie said. “I reached out to them, and they’ve helped me. I would strongly recommend any widow join the Masonic Widows’ Guild.”