Katherine Cope McGraw

Katherine Cope McGraw, 72, of Wormleysburg, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. The daughter of the late Roland and Luella (Jacobs) Cope, she was born in Indiana on July 15, 1953, but spent most of her life in Central PA.

A 1971 graduate of Cedar Cliff High School, Camp Hill, she went on to further her education at Grove City College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1975. Putting her degree to good use, she started her professional life in public accounting. As a CPA, she worked with Gettysburg College and the American Cancer Society before ultimately retiring as controller at Mount St. Mary’s University. She enjoyed her colleagues and was well respected by all who worked alongside her.

She met her late husband, John, by chance at a party. Married in 1978, they raised their two daughters in Grace United Methodist Church, Lemoyne, and Kathy’s faith remained steadfast throughout her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and it was evident that family always came first. The oldest of five siblings, she set the bar high—not only for her younger brothers and sisters, but in all aspects of life. She thoroughly enjoyed gardening and the spring planting season, and if given the chance to share her world views, she would certainly let you know where she stood.

Having experienced the loss of her husband in 2021 and then her oldest daughter, Amy, just three months ago, she demonstrated tremendous strength and perseverance in recent years. Rather than retreat, Kathy made the most of the hand she was dealt and embraced new chapters in life, including stepping up as guardian of her two grandchildren. For someone who consistently put others first and always did what was needed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is finally at rest—though far too soon.

Surviving Kathy is her daughter, Megan Nichols (husband, Justin) of Laingsburg, MI; grandchildren, Carter and Caitlyn Unger, Simon, Elijah and Natalee Nichols, and Lucas and Elisabeth "Lizzy" Etterman; siblings, Howard Cope (wife, Lisa), Cynthia Reed (husband, Joseph), Helen Cope and Donald Cope; a brother-in-law, Kevin McGraw (wife, Julie); and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, John J. McGraw, and daughter, Amy E. Etterman, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Ralph S. McGraw; and two sisters-in-law, Lisa Haney-Cope and Karen DeStito.

A visitation will be held from 9:30AM until a memorial service begins at 10:30AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. Inurnment will immediately follow in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Amy's name to the Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area.