Molly C. Finucane

Molly C. Finucane, 77, of Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away on February 19, 2026, with her daughters, Megan and Abby, by her side.

Born on April 10, 1948, in Ridley Park, PA, she was the firstborn of Robert and Claire Finucane. She grew up in Brookhaven, PA and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Moylan in 1966. She went on to Shippensburg State College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970 and a Master of Education in 1974.

Molly worked as a 7th-grade English teacher at Good Hope Middle School in the Cumberland Valley School District for more than 35 years, retiring in 2007. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, a loyal friend, and a passionate teacher. She was known for having high standards for her students, always pushing them to do their best and take pride in their work. Her grammar chants and songs are remembered fondly by students, even many years later.

She loved spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She could often be found at a grandchild’s birthday celebration, band or orchestra concert, cheering them on at a basketball game, snuggling with them under a blanket to enjoy a good book, or helping them with their schoolwork. She followed their lives closely and supported them in whatever way she could. She enjoyed going out to eat, visiting with friends, and keeping up with their lives. She was loving and generous, and there was nothing she would not do for the people she loved. Her hobbies included reading, traveling to historical sites and the New Jersey shore, and tending her garden during the warmer months.

Molly is survived by her two daughters: Megan Crain and her husband, David, of Virginia Beach, VA; and Abby Thornton and her partner, Joe Cocanour, of Mechanicsburg. She is also survived by her grandchildren Charles Crain, Annie Dreibelbis, Thomas Crain, and Kate Dreibelbis; bonus grandchildren Teresa Dreibelbis, Jack Cocanour, and Tate Cocanour; her brothers Robert Finucane and Patrick Finucane; her sisters-in-law Ruth Ellen Finucane and Mary Ellen Finucane; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Mark Finucane.

All are welcome to join Molly’s family at her celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 2:30 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation); with Celebrant George Spangler officiating. Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots. Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA (www.chkd.org/donate), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate), or the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library in Mechanicsburg (www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org).