Gail Ann (Burke) Holland

Gail Ann Holland, 78, of Mechanicsburg passed away unexpectedly while surrounded by her family on September 02, 2024. Gail “Nanny” Holland was born on November 4, 1945 in Newton, MA to the late Dorothy (Lovejoy) and John “Jack” Burke, Jr. 

Gail married the love of her life, the late John A. Holland, and together they raised three daughters. Gail and John spent 40 years together enjoying travel, playing golf and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Gail is survived by her three children, Kimberly J. Distenfeld (Peter) of Mechanicsburg, Melinda A. Ortenzio (John) of Lemoyne and Deborah H. Hoover (Shane) of Enola; Brother Kevin (Gracie) Burke of Middleborough, MA and Andrea (late Stephen) Iadonisi of Mashpee, MA. She was blessed with five grandchildren; Alexis Ortenzio, Tyler Distenfeld, Sara Ortenzio, Hailey Hoover and Hannah Hoover; step-grandchildren; Lauren Ortenzio (Mark Small), Michael Ortenzio and Andrew Ortenzio; step-great grandchild; Emerson Small; seven nieces and five nephews.

Gail graduated from Dedham High School in 1963, Dedham, MA. Once she and John settled in Pennsylvania in 1972, Gail was a stay-at-home mom until she began her banking career as a Customer Service Representative with CCNB Bank (now PNC Bank). Gail rose through the ranks of PNC to retire as a Vice President of Human Resources.

Once she retired from banking, she worked part-time for a local doctor’s office in the billing department and became an active volunteer in her community and with her church. Weekly, Gail could be found greeting visitors and delivering newspapers to patients at Holy Spirit Hospital. She was a Deacon at her church, Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, as well as a Minister for Stephen’s Ministry. Gail also became very active with Habitat For Humanity through the church and traveled to Maine, Mississippi and Louisiana as a hands-on volunteer. Gail spent several years as a Board Member for Homeland Center in Harrisburg, PA. Additionally, Gail was a long-time volunteer for the Cumberland Country Board of Elections serving as a Poll Worker for Hampden Township.

In 2018 Gail moved to Messiah Village. As a resident of the Independent Living unit, she forged friendships that allowed her the opportunity to travel with her friends; notably repeat trips to Deep Creek, MD and Cape May, NJ. She could be found every Saturday and Sunday playing games with her friends in the game room and recently learned how to successfully play Mah Jongg. 

Gail was a very social person whose thoughtfulness and compassion led her to cast a friendship net that reached far and wide. No matter where she went she would always run into someone that she knew. In addition to being a social butterfly, Gail has been described as thoughtful and compassionate towards others, always enjoying conversation and lifting the spirits of those around her with her positivity and kindness. Regardless of the occasion Gail received the greatest joy when spending time with her family, whom she felt truly blessed by. A mother and grandmother may have been lost today however she will live on in the memories she created with us and remain in our lives forever. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Sliver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Road, Mechanicsburg, at 10:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service following at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at the family’s discretion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. All contributions will go towards the SSPC’s ROAR Team, which takes mission trips and works with local Habitat for Humanity locations across the country.

Gail’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Gail’s full obituary once posted, photograph, offer condolences, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a memorial candle and sign her guest book by visiting Gail’s official obituary page at Buhrig.com.