Mary Lins

Mary Lins, 78, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, at UPMC Carlisle Hospital, surrounded by love.

Born June 6, 1948, in Fort Benning, Georgia, Mary was the daughter of the late Fred and Mary Persing. She grew up in Carlisle, graduated from Carlisle High School in 1966, and later attended Harrisburg Community College.

For 38 years, Mary built a career in the local banking industry as a trusted financial advisor. The institution changed names several times over the decades through mergers, but Mary remained a constant — the same familiar, steady presence her clients counted on, known and loved throughout the community for the care and expertise she brought to every relationship.

Retirement only gave Mary more room to give. She volunteered generously at both St. Patrick’s Church, where she was a devoted and active member, and at the hospital — helping people, in whatever way she could, simply because it was who she was.

Christmas was Mary’s favorite time of year, and she treated it like a season-long celebration — transforming her home into a holiday wonderland, decorating every corner with care, and spending hours in the kitchen baking cookies for her grandchildren every year.

Her card group met regularly, though for Mary the cards themselves were never really the point. She kept the games easy and low-key on purpose, so she and her friends could spend the time talking and catching up rather than concentrating too hard on winning.

For 30 years, Mary and her family made their way to Rehoboth Beach, where she fell in love with the ocean again and again — summers by the water that became a cherished family tradition and some of her happiest memories.

Her zest for adventure never faded. Mary loved her bus trips traveling around the country, including a recent trip to Myrtle Beach and another to see the hot air balloons, and she especially treasured her visits to Massachusetts to see her beloved grandchildren.

At home, she was a devoted fan of the Hallmark Channel and never missed an episode of NCIS. An avid knitter, she lovingly made blankets for each of her grandchildren, rarely missed her weekly matinee movie outings with friends, and always appreciated a nice cold beer whether shared quietly at home with Bill and her friends both at home and out on the town.

But above all, Mary’s greatest joy was spending time with the people she loved — her cherished husband Bill, her “favorite” son (and only one, of course), her lifelong high school friends, her card group, her water aerobics group at the YMCA, and most of all, her grandchildren, for whom she baked, traveled, and always made time.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, William G. Lins; her son, Bill Lins, and his wife, Rebekah Petronio; her cherished grandchildren, Jake, Ella, and Max; her brother, Fred Persing, and his wife, Barbara; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who adored her.

Mary knew how to make life fun. Whether over a good beer, a hand of cards, or a fresh batch of Rice Krispies treats, she filled every moment with laughter and love. She will be deeply missed, and always remembered with a smile.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026 at St. Patrick Church, 152 E. Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 where the family will greet guests after 10:00 a.m. prior to the Mass. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Church at the address above or UPMC Carlisle Hospital, 361 Alexander Spring Road, Carlisle, PA 17015.