Some people leave behind titles, awards, and accolades. Others leave behind a legacy of love, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to people. Sparks resident, Mei Herbert did both.

I had the privilege of knowing Mei not just as a leader, but as a friend. She was one of those rare souls who could step into a room and make everyone feel like family. Whether she was meeting with world leaders or welcoming neighbors into her home, she carried herself with the same warmth, grace, and generosity. I regularly would walk into a banquet hall to see Mei sitting up at the front of the room waving at me to come and say hello. At first, I thought it was just me that she would do that for, but as I watched, she did that to each person that she knew. She made each person feel special.

Born in Taipei in 1938, Mei’s life was shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep love for her family. She was raised by parents who worked hard, guided by the wisdom of her grandfather, a coal-mining entrepreneur who believed in the power of leadership and service. When she came to the United States in 1960, she carried those values with her, raising four children with strength and devotion. Her family was always at the center of her heart.

I remember Mei telling stories of her early days in America—how she built a life, faced challenges, and never let obstacles define her. That same spirit led her into a lifetime of service, helping refugees, fostering international partnerships, and dedicating herself to bridging cultures.

She played a key role in connecting Nevada with Taiwan, bringing people together in ways that strengthened communities. But to Mei, the titles and recognition were never the goal. She didn’t seek awards—though she certainly received many, including the “Friend of Foreign Service Medal” from Taiwan and multiple proclamations from Nevada governors. What mattered to her was the impact she had on people. She was just as honored to receive a letter from a grateful family she had helped as she was to meet a world leader.

To know Mei was to know true hospitality. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome, where stories were shared, and where laughter filled the room. The walls of her home literally told the meaningful moments of her life as pictures of her meetings and dinners surrounded the room. She had a way of making people feel special, whether through a handwritten note, a thoughtful gift, or simply the way she listened with genuine interest. One would not leave her house without a pen a pin or a small but meaningful token of connection, reminding people to stay in touch, to write, to share their stories.

Her faith was her foundation. She believed in the power of prayer, in the beauty of service, and in the importance of living a life with purpose. Her favorite phrase, “Sho Ho Hue” (“Burn the good incense”), was her way of saying that life was meant to be lived in gratitude, in service, and in love.

Even in her final days, Mei was surrounded by family—the people she cherished most. She left this world as she lived in it: with grace, dignity, and love.

She is survived by her children, Tony (Lou Anne), Teri (David), Jim, and Paul (Trina), along with 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way). She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, George, and her granddaughter, Rachel.

Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her kindness, her wisdom, and her unwavering belief in the goodness of people will not be forgotten.

A service celebrating Mei’s life will be held on April 10, 2025, in Reno, Nevada. For those wishing to honor her memory, donations can be made to the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza or the Immanuel Chinese Alliance Church, two causes she held close to her heart.

Some people change the world in grand, sweeping gestures. Others do it in small, meaningful ways, one life at a time. Mei did both.