Lillian “Jimmie” R. Mackey, age 88, a longtime resident of Lansdale, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023, in her own home which she loved so much.  

She was the beloved wife of the late Lyle F. Mackey for 63 years. 

Born in Steubenville, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late James Farkas and Margaret Palmer (nee Callahan).  

Jimmie’s interests and hobbies were many: bird watching, crocheting (especially her local and nationwide-known potholders); drawing and painting; playing the ukulele, piano, drums, and guitar; square dancing; traveling; walking; biking; driving around with her husband Lyle in their 1968 Olds 442; and her favorite pastime, reading. She was an adventurous soul and was always trying to learn new things. She was also an avid sports fan watching all of the Phillies, Eagles, and Penn State games. She would often cheer loudly during the games like she was right in the stands! 

The quick witted Jimmie had the gift of gab and had the most infectious laugh. She loved to help whenever needed and was loyal to family and friends as it was important to her to shower everyone with love and kindness. She loved to go to breakfast at all the local restaurants like the Bistro, the Koffee Korner, and the Main Street Diner. Breakfast was secondary as she really enjoyed just being out and socializing and spreading her laughter and joy. She also enjoyed dining at the William Penn Inn, often joking about starting with the creme brulee instead of the entree. She truly cherished her church time at St. Stans and her “church group” that she attended regularly. She made strangers into friends within minutes.  

Jimmie owned and operated the Peter Pan Nursery School in Lansdale where she was both teacher and director. She worked with many skilled teachers by her side for many years. She had a passion for teaching and her skills went beyond the classroom as she often had conferences with parents discussing their children’s needs. After selling Peter Pan Nursery School, she worked for the North Penn School District aiding and teaching children with special needs until she retired at the age of 70. Education and working with children was indubitably her forte.  

Jimmie’s greatest passion in life was her love and devotion to family. She was involved in all of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, and she often called to chit chat about how each one of them was doing and what was going on in their lives. She was always generous, kind, and loving to all of her family. Jimmie’s loving soul will surely be missed by her family and friends.  

Jimmie is survived by six loving sons: James L. of Telford, Donald W. and his wife Dana of Lansdale, Dennis W. of West Chester, John R. and his wife Laura of Lansdale, Michael J. of Lansdale and Mark E. and his wife Pamela of Harleysville; as well as 7 grandchildren: Renee, Evan, D.J., Michelle, Daisy, Brooke, and Blake. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded by her children, Baby Mary and Baby David.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 6, 2023, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will greet friends from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM in Church prior to Mass.  Interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jimmie’s name can be made to Meals on Wheels America, 259 North Second Street, Souderton, PA 18964 or generationsofiv.org.