E. Jane Harrelson

Ellen “Jane” Harrelson passed away Sunday, August 29, 2021 at the Chambersburg Hospital. Born December 15, 1925 in Chambersburg, she was the daughter of the late Charles E. “Pat” and Lula J. Ellis Rollins and the widow of Leon Harrelson who preceded her in death in 1985. She was a 1943 graduate of the former Chambersburg High School. Having been a graduate during WWII, Jane went to work at Letterkenny Army Depot as a secretary and stayed until 1946.
Jane served as the Executive Director of the Chambersburg Area United Way, retiring in 1992 after 36 years. After retirement, Jane volunteered at Corpus Christi Church serving on the cemetery board and fund-raising campaigns. Given her community spirit, she served as an election official in the Fourth Ward, Second Precinct for a number of years; served on the Chambersburg Planning and Zoning Committee; was a past member of the Letterkenny Ladies Bowling League; and the Women’s International Bowling Congress; and did family genealogy. Jane was also a member of the Chambersburg High School (CHS) reunion committee, having done this until their 75th Reunion in 2018.
Jane was an accomplished seamstress and also enjoyed quilting, crocheting, various crafts. She loved to play card games and challenged all of us when playing board games. Her love of spending time in her yard gardening resulted in a beautiful display of various flowers and shrubbery. Without a doubt her favorite thing to do was spending time with her granddaughter’s, Natis’ & Ashley as they were growing up. Teaching them how to paint, play cards and do crafts was her joy as a Grandmother.
In addition to her husband, Jane was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Harrelson in 2017; two sisters, Rosalie Ann Rollins and Lucille Elizabeth Wade; a brother, Patrick Rollins: and two grandchildren, Chastity Jane Hess and Charles Dennison Hess.
Jane is survived by two daughters, Brenda Jane Hess (Jerry Lininger) and Teresa Lucille Cifone (Martin); two granddaughters, Natis’ Cifone and Ashley Jane Mascari (Joe); two great-grandchildren, Angelina and Joseph Anthony “LJ” Mascari V; a sister Irma Kump; a brother, James Rollins; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by The Very Reverend Allan Wolfe, V.F. at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA. Interment will follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 10:00 AM on Tuesday at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. The family requests those in attendance wear face masks.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.