It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Coldsmith, of Fayetteville, PA, who left us on March 7th, 2026, at the age of 74.
Born on July 13, 1951, in Oswego, NY, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Henry Gilbert and Mary Margaret (Menter) Gilbert.
She moved to Chambersburg, PA, on her 12th birthday, where she spent much of her life creating lasting memories and touching the lives of all those around her.
Mary Ellen graduated from Chambersburg High School in 1969, and dedicated 25 years of her career to J. Schoeneman Co. She later returned to school to earn an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.
Her work at Franklin County in Juvenile and Adult Probation and the Clerk of Courts was deeply fulfilling, but it was at Keystone Human Services, where she worked with intellectually disabled adults, that she truly found her calling. There, she offered love, care, and compassion to her clients as if they were her own family. Her warmth and devotion to those she served were a testament to her loving spirit.
Mary Ellen’s heart was as vast as her capacity to love. She married James Yates in 1971, with whom she had two daughters, Tracy and Katrina. She married Ronald Hughes in 1988, becoming the loving mother of Brittney. In 2000, she found a loving partner in Larry Coldsmith, a union filled with affection and companionship until Larry’s passing in 2021.
Mary Ellen had a unique gift for bringing people together. She loved social gatherings, and often organized them herself, always finding joy in creating fun and memorable moments for her children and grandchildren. Her kitchen was a place of love, where she would share her culinary gifts — most notably her beloved deviled eggs and Rice Krispie treats, which she became known for county-wide.
One of her greatest joys was traveling back to her childhood home in Oswego, NY. She would cherish visits with family and friends, always making time to stop by the Loop to admire the lighthouse while eating fish and skipping rocks on Lake Ontario.
Mary Ellen’s legacy lives on through her children: Tracy (and Clinton) Montoro, Katrina (and Jamel) Dumas, and Brittney Hughes. She also leaves behind her adored grandchildren: Rebecca Montoro, Anthony Cerniglia, Katherine Montoro, Tayana Diggs, Dushawn Hughes, Tez Littleford, and Star-Asia Gilliam, who brought her immeasurable joy.
Mary Ellen is also survived by her siblings: Michael Gilbert, Jeanne Besecker, Theresa Trace, Timothy Gilbert, Christine Dubbs, Ronald Gilbert, and Susan Berkebile.
She was a loving sister, mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness, generosity, and warmth will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14th at 4 p.m. at Redeemer Church, located at 240 E. Washington St., Chambersburg, PA, with Pastor Gary Hornbaker, officiating.
Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed enough to know her.
Arrangements are entrusted to Agett-Lakjer Funeral Home.
