Herminda DeSabogal

Herminda DeSabogal, 91, of Hopkinton and formerly of Belmont and Peabody, passed away March 8, 2026, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

She was born in Bogota, Colombia, on Oct. 23, 1934, and was the cherished daughter of the late Diogenes and Pasquala (Sanchez) Alayon.

Herminda came to the United States over 60 years ago with her three young children and settled in Belmont.

She had long successful tenures with Harvard and MIT. She was widely loved and treasured by the students and faculty, many of whom would stay in touch with her throughout the years. Her strong work ethic and quiet determination were qualities that inspired those around Herminda and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Herminda believed deeply in the power of education and instilled that value in her children. Some of her proudest moments were attending each of their college graduations, celebrating their achievements. In addition to a strong education, Herminda always stressed the importance of hard work, patriotism and opportunity to her children and those around her. Her generosity knew no bounds.

She was a phenomenal cook and baker whose kitchen truly was the heart of her home. Herminda was especially renowned for her amazing empanadas, traditional Easter lamb cake and her homemade bread that she shared generously with family and friends. Her cooking was more than a talent, it was one of the many ways she expressed her love and generosity, creating memories as well as traditions that will be cherished for generations. As with her cooking, anything she did, she did with excellence. Herminda approached life with pride and an unwavering commitment to doing her very best.

With her sense of travel and adventure, Herminda enjoyed taking her family on trips throughout New England as well as journeys back to her homeland. Because of her deep religious faith, one of her most meaningful trips was her travels to the Holy Land as well as her visit to Rome for an audience with the Pope, an unforgettable moment that remained close to her heart for the rest of her life.

Family was the most important part of Herminda’s life and the center of her world. Her devotion to her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remain one of the most beautiful legacies she leaves behind.

Herminda will be deeply missed by her family as well as all who knew and loved her, but her memory will remain a source of comfort and enduring love.

Herminda is survived by her children, Rudy Sabogal and wife Nancy of Gloucester, and Clara O’Neill and husband Mark of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, John Ryan, David, Patrick and Brendan O’Neill, and Brian and Jaclyn Sabogal; and her great-grandchildren, Jack and Oliver O’Neill. She also leaves her brothers Parmenio and Gonzalo Alayon; her sisters Antonia Alferez, Luz Marina Alayon, Elvia De Herfano, Lilia Alayon and Anna Marie Alayon; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sadly, in addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sons Fred, Guillermito and Luis Alfonso Sabogal; her brother Ignacio Alayon; and her sister Alicia De Alayon.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home in Peabody on Friday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Peabody at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herminda’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital by visiting stjude.org.

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