Portland – Vilma Herrick passed away on August 23, 2023, two days before her 91st birthday.  She spent her last days surrounded by her sons, daughter, brother, and grandchildren.

She was born August 25, 1932 in Medford, Massachusetts.  She was the fourth of six children born to Anthony and Mary Eleanor (Zaia) Barbuto. Vilma grew up in Belmont, MA and graduated from Belmont High School.

She earned an Associate's Degree from Lasell Junior College, and worked as a secretary in the Orthopedics Department of Boston Children's Hospital and for Cryovac, where she met her future husband of 64 years John Herrick.

She raised their five children and lived in Burlington and Sudbury, MA and Cape Elizabeth, ME.  She then returned to school and work, graduating from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor's degree in Communications.

She worked at the University of Southern Maine for 24 years in the Information Management Systems department.

She was involved in civic affairs throughout her life, and served as President of the Burlington League of Women Voters, was an active member of St. Bartholomew Church, a devoted member of Right to Life, and attended Cape Elizabeth town meetings.

Vilma loved nothing more than spending time with her family at home or on cherished summer vacations at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.  She was a self-described "night owl" and loved playing board games with family into the evening, and doing crossword, sudoku and word puzzles.

She is survived by her husband John, Portland, ME, and son Christopher (Alison), Arlington, VA, son Stephen (Karen), Reading, MA, daughter Valerie, Cape Elizabeth, ME, son Scott (Sarah), Kennebunk, ME, and son Craig (Cassie), Peaks Island, ME, and grandchildren Madeleine, Josh, Yonit, Isabella, Benjamin, Nate, and Meleah.  She is survived by her brother John Barbuto, Franklin, NH.

She is predeceased by her father and mother, brothers Arthur and David, and sisters Doris and Helen.

Visiting hours will be held at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland, ME, Wednesday, August 30 from 6-8 p.m.  A memorial mass will be held Thursday, August 31 at 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Cedars, Portland, Maine.