Maryellen M. McLane

Maryellen “Mickey” McLane of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2026, surrounded by her family after a battle with progressive lung disease. She was 78 years old. Her life was marked by a close Irish family, adventure, advocacy, and love.

Born on February 12, 1948, in Port Chester, New York, she also lived in Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Louisville before settling in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1978. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, Dale McLane, and her parents, Daniel and Anne McCarthy (nee Hughes). She is survived by her children Michael McLane and Meghan Mathis (nee McLane), her children by marriage, Nicole McLane (nee Falese) and Jason Mathis, and her beloved grandchildren Maggie, Ellie, and Reilly McLane and Samuel and Anne Mathis, as well as her sister Sheila Begg (nee McCarthy).

Her signature compassion and generosity were balanced with sharp wit and hilarious sarcasm. She was the preeminent hostess – growing up, Michael and Meghan had the ‘host’ house where friends from near and far would gather, and where Mickey and Dale’s friends and family would often visit. There was no pretentiousness – just love, laughter, and an inordinate amount of snacks. That tradition continued when they moved “onto the mountain” in 2001, where the family often returned for holidays, special occasions, or just because her grandchildren wanted to visit “Nan Camp.” A lot of the world’s problems were discussed - and solved - at their kitchen table, usually with a glass of Bailey’s or a glass of wine and the infamous McCarthy dip. You could always find a dog (or two) at hand, and Christmas music on the stereo (no matter the time of year).

Despite being the ultimate homebody, Mickey had a prolific travel history. She swam with the pink dolphins in the Amazon, transited the Panama Canal several times, saw whales in Alaska, and made friends on every continent she visited. Perhaps because of their innate charm, Bermuda and Ireland were special to her, and she traveled there multiple times, including an epic trip throughout the Emerald Isle with her children and grandchildren in 2024.

She is a graduate of Carlow College (Formerly Mount Mercy College) and the University of Pittsburgh, spending her professional career as a passionate advocate for public education. She served as the Middlesex Elementary School PTO President, Vice President of the Cumberland Valley School Board, and a special education teacher at Iron Forge Elementary School in South Middleton School District.

Mickey was a teacher, a mother, a wife, a sister, a grandmother, a friend, an advocate for children, and a spectacular human being. She is missed by so many.

The family will host a celebration of life on Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 A.M. at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, 2020 West Trindle Road in Carlisle. In celebration of Mickey’s vibrant life, we invite attendees of her memorial to wear bright and colorful clothing.

In lieu of flowers, please hug those you love, and consider a donation to Adams County SPCA, 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325, in honor of Mickey’s dedication to giving dogs a loving home.