November 30, 1945 - October 23, 2024
Bradenton, Florida - Jean Herbaly, 78, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on October 23, 2024. Born on November 30, 1945, in Rockford, Illinois, Jean known as Macki to many friends and colleagues lived a life of passionate vitality with an indomitable spirit that resembled a hurricane once she set her mind to something.
She is survived by her sons, Troy Milburn, Jason Milburn, and George McKinney, along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jean leaves behind a legacy of love and spirited engagement. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neil Herbaly and Helen Knight, and her brothers, Neil, Jeff, and Brad Unger.
Jean attended high school in Byron, Illinois, and Tucson, Arizona, before continuing her education at Manatee Community College, where she trained as a nurse and earned her Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. This educational background enabled her to touch countless lives through her dedication to healthcare.
Jean's career was as diverse as her interests. She worked as a nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she served on many floors, including the Emergency Room, ICU, and CCUareas where advanced life support knowledge was essential. Known for her skill and expertise, Jean was often called to other floors to "stick" patients her colleagues relied on her exceptional ability to start IVs where others couldn't. She also performed apheresis at the Sarasota Blood Bank, a specialized procedure to treat patients with certain medical conditions. In addition to this work, she served in walk-in clinics, nursing homes, and through Nurse Finders. Jean also pursued dog grooming, soap and candle making, and was known for her entrepreneurial spirit.
Beyond her professional life, Jean was deeply passionate about animals, many of whom she rescued and welcomed as family. She had a special bond with Baila, a Hungarian Vizsla from Alabama; Miss "O" (Olivia), a sweet and loyal pit bull mix; and Stone Lake, an Arabian gelding. She owned and operated Bay Oaks Farm Horse Ranch, where she raised Arabian horses and pursued dressage. Jean also loved training and showing her beloved poodle, Macki's Rocking Red Pepper, with whom she earned numerous AKC awards and accreditations.
A service to celebrate Jean's life will be held on November 8, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Baldwin Brothers, 3825 East State Road 64, STE 300, Bradenton, Florida, 34208. Those who wish to honor Jean's memory are invited to gather to share stories and commemorate a life beautifully lived.
