Mary Lucille Lank, 80, of Mechanicsburg, PA passed peacefully at home on January 15, 2023.
Mary was born on Oct 17, 1942 to Lyndon Dukes and Eloise Jones in West Palm Beach, Florida. After Mary graduated from Snow Hill High School in 1960, she went on to get her pilot’s license and fly small aircrafts along the Eastern Shore of Maryland quenching her zeal for both the waters and the skies.
In 1965 she married Jerry Lank and they had three children; Rhonda Hebbard (David) of Mechanicsburg, Joy Shill (Todd) of Harrisburg and Jeffrey Lank (Tina) of Bear, DE. She also leaves behind two granddaughters, Riley Hebbard and Nia Shill, who brought her endless joy.
A survivor from day 1, she was an incredibly strong woman who accomplished everything she set her mind to and did it in such a clever way that you felt compelled to agree with her. Which works out since she was usually right anyway! No matter what she faced, and it was truly a mountainous road, she never complained. This inner strength was one of the many traits instilled upon her by her revered Grandma, Mary Francis.
Mary was so much fun that the only time you didn’t want to sit next to her was on a roller coaster (if you know, you know). Her laugh was the most contagious and when you saw her devilish grin you knew you would have a bellyache from the ensuing laughter. She was deeply adored by everyone who met her and was characterized by a razor-sharp wit, sense of humor, passion for family and friends, and a genuine love of life. Despite her boundless energy, she would always make time to relax at the beach, in the hot tub, or in front of a bonfire. The Lanks spent decades of summers boating in the Chesapeake Bay. She and Jerry travelled often, a love they fostered in their kids. Later in life, her evenings were typically spent watching Jeopardy while enjoying a glass of Fireball and laughing with her family. Wherever Mary was, so was the fun!
Mary’s career in the civil service spanned 33 years, beginning at Dover AFB. Once retired, when not spoiling her grandchildren, she spent much of her time supporting cancer patients and their families through Hearts~n~Hands Sertoma Club, which she founded 18 years ago.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jerry, brother Wayne Dukes, her parents and Jimmie the cat. In addition to her children, she is survived by her sisters, Patricia Compton of Arnold, MD, and Nancy Smith of Port St. Lucie, FL, and brothers, Gary Dukes and David Dukes, both from West Palm Beach, FL, and many nieces and nephews that she loved with all her heart, and Charley the dog.
Services will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church located at 1480 Jerusalem Road, Mechanicsburg on 1/21/23 at 11am.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Lank family.
9 comments on “Mary Lucille Lank”
Mary was my mentor and my inspiration through a rough time in my life. Always had a smile and a laugh. She will be forever missed. 💙
Met Mary when I worked in Mechanicsburg, she got me into art and we went to painting conventions and took classes and remained friends long after retirement. She was a special friend and will be greatly missed.
Joy and I were in high school together and I would come over to her house and I loved to hang out with her mom. I would talk to her while Joy would be in their amazing basement (Nascar memorabilia & jukebox). She was so fun to talk to and always welcomed me in her home. Best smile ever! You are missed
Mary was such a sunshine in my life. I met her through the family at CV. She will be terribly missed. Prayers and hugs 💝
Working together at Dover AFB and our shared interest in flying started a long time friendship. Our kids babysat hers. We enjoyed times on their boat and at our Felton farm. Mary’s passing will leave an unfillable void. We’ll miss her.
Mary was the strongest, happiest and most giving women I have ever met. She carried a special spark of energy that you could always feel. Her beautiful smile was contagious as well as her laughter. A friend and mother to all, we will miss you Mary!
My memories of Mary can be summed up this way: Full of love, laughter, smiles & caring. My last time with her was spent at Jeff & Tina’s home playing a great card game called Hands and Feet!! She will be missed.
Mary was an amazing lady! So fun to be around. Her strength and her courage was amazing. She fought every battle with humor and grace. I never saw her down always smiling. Her light is a loss to all who knew and loved her!
P.S. Mary – you and Jackie toast one to me!
Love, Marsha
She was the BEST sister-in-law that anyone could ever have. Basically she was the sister I always wanted in my life. Will miss her everyday.