Jennifer L. McCracken, 72, of Ephrata, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Magnolia’s of Lancaster.
She was born in York to the late Roger and Jennifer (Geysen) Rohrbaugh and was the wife of James K. McCracken, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.
Jennifer grew up in Mount Wolf, York County and Manheim, where she graduated from Manheim Central High School. She worked at the former Schick Electric Company, before she began working as an administrative assistant for Ephrata Middle School with 30 years of service.
She was heavily involved in her children and grandchildren’s lives, including volunteering in classrooms, teaching Sunday School at Bergstrasse Church, having leadership roles in the PTA, serving as a team mom for various sports teams, and participating in post prom committee.
Jennifer had a passion for those who have the biggest needs. This included the loving relationships Jennifer had with students who had the biggest challenges in school. Jennifer would stay in touch with these kids when they left the middle school and would visit them at their jobs in the community. Jennifer was a phenomenal cook and hosted her entire family to weekly meals. An important part of the dinner was dancing with Grandma in the kitchen as the meal was being prepared and sneaking “Grandma’s vitamins” (Wilbur Buds). Jennifer was a catalyst for good fun and would light up any room she entered!
In addition to her husband, Jennifer is survived by two sons, Joshua J., husband of Brooke McCracken, Jeremy M., husband of Allison McCracken; six grandchildren, Meg, Tanner, Sam, Marie, Alec, Ben; two sisters, Alice wife of Bob Zangueneh, Audrey, wife of Wes Geib Sr.; and a brother, Roger Rohrbaugh.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Peter B. McCracken and a sister-in-law, Robin Rohrbaugh.
The family would like to thank Michelle Butler and the staff at Magnolias for the loving care they provided.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 5 to 7 PM. at the Ephrata Church of the Brethren, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 7 PM, with Pastor Steven Hollinger officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
A scholarship is being created in Jennifer’s name for Ephrata High School students who have learning disabilities and hardships, so they may further their education or provide funding to prepare for their careers. Please send contributions to “Ephrata National Bank- Jennifer McCracken Memorial Scholarship”
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.
