Mary Sheaffer Hagans, 100

12/24/1923 - March 26, 2024

Mary Sheaffer Hagans passed away at Ephrata Manor on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. She celebrated her 100th birthday on Christmas Eve with all of her family in attendance. Mary was the daughter of Ira Victor and Clara Munson Sheaffer. She was the wife of the late John William Hagans, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage.

Together they raised their family in Strasburg, PA, living in the same home for over 50 years. She was preceded in death by her daughter Christine Hagans, sister Norma E. Sheaffer, and brothers Jacob A. and Ira “Bunny” V. Sheaffer.

Mary was the founder of Lollie’s Lancaster Pickles, which she started in 1985, providing her homemade pickles to customers in Pennsylvania and surrounding states until 2001. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother to her three daughters, as well as a wonderful mother-in-law and grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as “Mams.” She spent endless hours being there for all of her family whenever she was needed, providing delicious meals, countless stories and a sharp sense of humor. One of her favorite pastimes was taking long drives around Lancaster County, reminiscing of childhood and family.

Mary was admired and loved by her family and friends for her tender warmth, infectious laugh and deep appreciation for life. She enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, sewing, antiquing, and caring for her beautiful home in Strasburg. Later in life Mary developed a passion for drawing and painting, which gave her many hours of delight. Summers in Avalon, New Jersey were some of her most cherished memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom she spent abundant hours building sandcastles and walking on the beach. She was also a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Surviving Mary are her daughters, Rebecca H., wife of Mark R. Simeral, of Lititz and Kathleen H. Rothfus, of Lancaster; grandchildren, Justin Hagans Lyons, of Lancaster and Molly Simeral Reynolds, wife of Benjamin Chase Reynolds, of Lititz; great-grandchildren, Scotland Chase and John Patrick Reynolds and Wyatte Elise and Knox Strummer Lyons.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Please omit flowers, and kindly consider a memorial contribution to be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. We would like to thank all the caregivers at Ephrata Manor and Hospice for the loving care they gave to our mother.