Lillian Elizabeth (Haas) Eakin

Lillian Elizabeth (Haas) Eakin

Library Founder -

Lillian Elizabeth (Haas) Eakin, age 89, of Mechanicsburg , and formerly of Grantham , died at Harrisburg Hospital on Sunday, October 5, 2014.  Lillian was born on Monday, September 7, 1925 in Harrisburg to the late Lloyd Wilson Haas and Sue Ann (Eckerd) Haas.

Lillian’s survivors include her three loving children:  J. Michael Eakin and his wife, Heidi, of Elizabethtown, Kathleen Eakin and her husband, Jeffrey Smith, of Camp Hill, Marilyn Chamberlin and her husband, Rodney, of Mechanicsburg; her four grandchildren: Michael Patrick Eakin, Zachary John Eakin, Elizabeth Smith, and Chase Carter; her great-grandson, Clark John Eakin; and her sister: Grace Harling.

Lillian graduated from John Harris High School and from, what was then, Shippensburg College with a degree in teaching.  She retired, after more than 35 years as the owner and manager of Wolfe’s Diner in Dillsburg, where she was loved by her loyal customers.  An avid reader, Lillian was one of the founders of what is now the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library in Mechanicsburg.  Her children remember her pulling their little red wagon from door to door, collecting books to open and stock the new library, where she especially loved reading to the children.  Lillian continued her service to the library as a board member from 1962 until 1982 and as treasurer for 20 years.  She was named an emeritus board member in 1988.

Lillian was an actor who performed at the Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg .  She loved performing pantomime, tap dancing, and playing the accordion, and did “gigs” whenever she was able.  Lillian’s love of pinochle and for her friends was embodied in her pinochle club, which ran for over 30 years.  Above all, her children and grandchildren were the center of her life, and she was the glue who brought them all together as a loving family.  Family was a focus of her life everyday of the year, which was evident by the fact that she shopped for Christmas all year long.  On Christmas Day, her love of family filled the room, just as the gifts she had so lovingly collected blanketed the floor.

All are welcome to join Lillian’s family at her visitation on Friday, October 10, 2014, from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Dennis Fulk officiating.  Burial will immediately follow in Rolling Green Memorial Park in Camp Hill.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Michael Eakin, Jeffrey Smith, Rodney Chamberlin, Michael Patrick Eakin, Zachary John Eakin, Chase Carter.  Lillian’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Gullifty's Restaurant , 1104 Carlisle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011, following the burial.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Joseph T. Simpson Public Library , 16 North Walnut Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at Country Meadows in Mechanicsburg who so lovingly cared for Lillian.

Lillian’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Lillian’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .