April Hodges Herbert, 91, formerly of Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge

April Hodges Herbert

April Hodges Herbert, a writer and artist formerly of Mount Kisco and Pound Ridge, died at her home Sept. 13 in Hilton Head, S.C. She was 91.

She was born on April 30, 1934, in New York City to Charles and Nora Hodges. She graduated from the Dalton School in New York City and attended Radcliffe College. She married Roy Herbert in 1953, and soon began her family, raising three children in Mount Kisco and later, Pound Ridge. 

Herbert wrote freelance articles and authored “The Tailgate Cookbook.” She also resumed her college studies, graduating from Empire State College in Purchase.

She pursued numerous artistic endeavors, including printmaking and painting. At the age of 45, she saw an advertisement in The New York Times for a four-day welding course. Her family said she fell in love with the craft, and launched a prolific career, creating nearly 300 contemporary and anthropomorphic sculptures from oxy-acetylene-welded steel and brazed metals.

She was an active member of the arts community, serving as president of the Pound Ridge Art Guild and as a member of the Katonah Museum Artists’ Association and the National Association of Women Artists. Her work garnered numerous awards, including Best in Show at the Ridgefield Art Guild Annual Juried Show and the Amidar Award at the Silvermine Guild’s Art of the Northeast show.

Herbert was widowed in 1996 and in 2009 married Gordon Grossman. The couple moved to Hilton Head, splitting their time between New York and traveling, until settling full time in Hilton Head.

April is survived by her children, Dr. Robin Herbert, Lauren Herbert (Sam), and Michael Herbert (Katie); her stepson Earl Grossman; as well as four grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, a great-grandchild and step-great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at The Seabrook of Hilton Head. Friends and family may attend the service virtually.

Contributions can be made to The Seabrook of Hilton Head Inc. Foundation Fund, 300 Woodhaven Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, or the American Civil Liberties Union.