Deserie Renee McLain

Deserie Renee McLain, 48, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2013. She spent her last four days at Hospice and Community Care of Mount Joy as she had wished. Born September 13, 1964, she was the daughter of the late Martha McKinney-Sherriff and William J. Sherriff, Sr. of Cape May, NJ. Des was the beloved wife of Mark G. McLain for 14 years. Deserie graduated in 1982 from Warwick High School, where she was a member of the band front. One of her fondest memories of high school was when the band was asked to perform at the Orange Bowl parade in Florida her senior year. Following high school she worked as a Closing Processor for Prudential, Red Rose Abstract, ReMax and Land Transfer. She then followed her dreams and returned to school, receiving a degree in pastry arts from the York Technical Institute. She was a chef at The George Street Café for five years before retiring to fight her battle with cancer. Des was involved in many activities. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster, as well as a member of a local book club. She enjoyed baking Christmas cookies every year with her nieces Morgan, Brittney, Aunt Pat and sister-in-law Jeanie, a tradition they shared for 10 years. She loved to spend time with her many friends and work colleagues. She enjoyed playing games, reading, and going to the beach. She fulfilled a dream of returning to Disney World this past fall with her parents. Des loved to attend all of her nieces and nephews sporting events and cheer them on, she was very proud of all of them. Des is also survived by her stepmother Dorothy Sherriff, as well as stepsister Judy Farrell. She was the stepmother to Ryan McLain and his fiancée Christina and grandmother to Eric, Blake, Kayley, and Chase. Des had two brothers, Bill Sherriff and wife Jeanie, and Jim Sherriff. She dearly loved her six nieces and nephews: Megan, Jamie, Morgan, Brittney, Noah, and Brandon. Her most recent addition was her great-niece Hailee who brought her much happiness. Des had numerous aunts and uncles: James Sherriff and wife Sharon, Patricia Buckwalter and husband David, Vicki Canfield and husband Tom, and cousins Thomas, Michael, and Jennifer. Des’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster (corner of W. Orange & Pine Sts.) on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with Terry Welsh officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 12 Noon until time of service. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Des’s name to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.

Deserie Renee McLain

May 3, 2013