Willian "Billie" MacKay

Willian “Billie” (Hershe) MacKay, age 82, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of St. Paul, MN and Cleveland, OH, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Billie was born on Friday, April 2, 1943, in Chillicothe, MO to the late Willard Brooks Hershe and Donna Maureen (Burtis) Hershe. Billie was the widow of Pierce Boynton MacKay, whom she married on June 19, 1965, and who died on October 9, 2019. In addition to her parents and husband, Billie is preceded in death by her sister, Ann Titus Berck.

Billie’s survivors include her two children: John Grant MacKay, III and his wife, Amy, of Lancaster, Kathryn “Kate” Elizabeth MacKay Bostdorf, of Lancaster; her six grandchildren: Kyle Gordon, and his partner, Kate, Brandon Gordon, and his wife, Riley, Gabriel Bostdorf, Theodore Bostdorf, Remington MacKay, Finley MacKay; her sister: Barbara (Hershe) Janes and several nieces and nephews.

Billie graduated from the Summit School in Minnesota as part of the class of 1961 and from University of Minnesota in 1965. Billie was a member of the Camp Hill United Methodist Church and an active member of the Penn Cumberland Garden Club. Billie’s love of things traditional and her eye for refinement allowed her to flourish as an interior decorator and antique shop owner. Her keen eye for design transformed spaces not only into homes but into sanctuaries filled with warmth, character, and history. Billie’s antique shop was a treasure trove of the past, where every piece told a story and invited connection, much like Billie herself did. Her caring and nurturing spirit was evident in the way that she cared for her beloved gardens; but also, in the way that she cared for her family. She always made her family feel loved and cherished. She was a master gardener, who was known for her love of perennial flowers. Tulip, Daffodil, and Primrose were only a few of the many flowers blooming in her garden. Billie shared a deep bond with her husband, Pierce, and loved traveling all over the world with him. In the winter months, she and Pierce, traveled to their winter refuges, spending time in the serene environment of Naples and Key West in Florida and the picturesque beauty of Carmel in California. Painting and drawing also filled her days, allowing her to express her creativity and share her unique perspective of the world. Billie’s legacy is woven into the fabric of so many lives. Her nurturing personality and unwavering care for all living things left a lasting influence on friends and family alike.

All are welcome to join Billie’s family at her celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service 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.

Billie’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Billie’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.