MADERA - Hermine Reiring, a 58-year resident of Madera, passed away quietly at 104 years old on January 28, 2019. Born Hermine Carolyn Sporcich on August 4, 1914 in Chicago to Mirko and Katherine Sporcich, recent immigrants from Croatia. Hermine was raised in Hammond, Indiana, outside of Chicago. Growing up in an immigrant community, Hermine began her schooling without being able to speak or understand English, but language came quickly to a 5-year-old.
Hermine graduated from Hammond High School in 1931. She attended business school and then a “wanderlust” took over. She traveled around the country by herself by train visiting and staying with relatives along the way. Her wanderlust eventually brought her to Southern California where she met her future husband, Leonard Reiring. Apparently, it was not “love at first sight” because soon after that, with war breaking out, Hermine chose to serve her country and enlisted in the Navy as a WAVE.
Hermine was in the Navy for 3 years. During her time in the Navy, she remained in contact with Leonard as they began a growing long-distance romance via the U.S. Post Office. Their romance led to marriage in May 1945. The newly-weds first home was in Burbank, CA. Hermine and Leonard had three children born in Burbank, Ronald, Charles, and Diane. Hermine was a full- time active mother of her three children. She was a Cub Scout den mother for 8 years. She was very active in the PTA, receiving an honorary life membership in the Burbank PTA in 1960 as thanks for her years of service. 
A job change brought the family to Madera in 1960. Hermine once again became active in Campfire and PTA. She was not one to become inactive as her family matured. With children grown, she re-entered the workforce joining the staff at Madera County offices. In 1969, Leonard purchased Madera Stationers in downtown. Hermine worked part time at the stationery store while continuing her work for the County.
Eventually, retirement time came calling. The stationery store was sold and Hermine retired from the County. Hermine always remained active, even in retirement. She was a charter member of the Madera Emblem Club, serving as President twice. She was also very active in the Madera Women’s Improvement Club, serving as President for that organization, too. She rarely missed the Friday morning weigh-ins for her TOPS group, and loved monthly meetings with the Birthday Breakfast Group. She was a member of the Madera County Historical Society often working at the museum in the old courthouse. Friends of the Library were also fortunate to have Hermine as a member.
Regardless of all the many actives noted above, Hermine’s family was always first in her heart. She leaves a family of two children, eight grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren, all of whom miss her greatly.
Full military graveside honors will take place at Arbor Vitae Cemetery at 11:00am Monday February 4, 2019 with a Memorial Service will be held at Madera United Methodist Church, 500 Sunset Ave, at 12:00 noon on Monday February 4, 2019. At Hermine's request friends, family, Veterans and the community is invited to both services to celebrate her long glorious life.
