Alice Madelyn Herbruck

Alice passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 25th at her home in Camarillo, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Alice was born on April 30,1943 in Long Beach, California to Jesse (Verity) and George Gillard.

Alice grew up in Oxnard, graduating from Hueneme High School in 1961. She and classmate John Herbruck made their first home in Oxnard Beach, California prior to settling in Camarillo to raise their three children.

Desiring a country life, the family moved to Merlin, Oregon where they became amateur farmers, raised a little livestock and Mom’s beloved chickens. They eventually returned to Camarillo where Alice went to work as a library and maintenance clerk at Oxnard Union High School District. Upon retirement Alice realized her dream of traveling. Her favorite vacation spot was Hawaii.  She ventured to Peru, the Amazon, Egypt, Morocco, London, Scotland, Canada, Alaska and Cancun.  She was very proud of her Norwegian ancestry and longed to see her grandmother’s birthplace.  Her wish came true when she visited Grandma Inga’s birthplace in Oslo, Norway. 

She also doted on her four grandchildren Tyler, Victoria, Johanna and Sam.  She enjoyed shopping with the girls, taking them on trips and going to the kids’ sporting events.  Alice was an exceptional seamstress and avid reader.  Her favorite outing was walking on the beach.

Alice was devoted to her volunteer work. She was involved with the gift projects volunteer group at Pleasant Valley Hospital, using her sewing skills to make various gifts for patients and the gift shop. She volunteered at the rescue animal shelter, walking dogs and playing with kittens.  Then fell in love with a tiny, mini pincher/chihuahua pup named Minnie and gave her a home. She trained her with the comfort dog program and delighted many nursing home patients.  Minnie was Alice’s greatest comfort throughout her illness.  

She was preceded in death by parents Jesse and George Gillard, grandparents Inga and Bill Williams and Captain Jesse and Maude Verity.  Alice is survived by her sister Jan Smith, brother Jim Gillard, and sister Jean Harmon (Gary); children Beth (John) Moore, Robb (Chris Cosher) Von Herbruck and Joe (Tascha) Herbruck. Also, survived by her grandchildren Tyler, Victoria, Johanna and Sam; nephews Roy, Jay and David Swan; and Cousins Pete, Eric and Chris Lukken.

The Herbruck/ Moore Family would like to extend their gratitude to the Silverado Hospice staff for their unending devotion to our Mom.  A graveside service is planned for Friday, March 12, 10 AM at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo.  In the Aloha spirit of Alice’s love for Hawaii, tropical attire is welcome. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.