Gail M. McKinne

Gael McKinne passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Ralph and Minerva Thome, and her daughter, Maureen. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and especially her husband of 57 years, Thomas, her two sons Casey (Carah) of Idaho and Kelly (Kathryn) of Mount Joy, her grandchildren Evelyn and Declan, and her brother, Dr. Jack Thome (Dr. Lilian Thome) of South Carolina.

Gael was born on December 16, 1946 in Lancaster, PA. After graduating high school, Gael earned her degree in nursing from Harrisburg Polyclinic School of Nursing. She went on to have a long and dedicated career as an operating room nurse at Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, Osteopathic Hospital in Lancaster, Community Hospital in Ephrata, and Regional Gastroenterology Associates of Lancaster. Throughout her career, she was known for her passion in caring for others and making all who went through her operating room feel comforted and cared for.

She loved the outdoors and was an avid birdwatcher and gardener. She would tend a flourishing backyard garden every year that bustled with butterflies and bees. She could often be found out on birdwatching adventures with friends and her husband, Tom. She especially loved traveling to the Outer Banks during the summer with her family, to relax at the beach and explore the local wildlife.

Gael was always interested in learning new things on a wide range of topics. She was also a great lover of animals. From cats and dogs to goats and cockatoos, Gael had a passion for rescuing and caring for all types of animals. There was never a time when their house was not full of several animals that Gael had rescued and cared for deeply.

Perhaps her greatest joy, however, was in spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Kiki,” by her grandchildren. Upon her retirement, she turned her passion for caring for others towards spending time with her granddaughter, Evi, several days a week. She also reveled in the time she was able to spend with her grandson Declan, and would proudly share with you stories, videos, and photos of him whenever she had the chance. Gael never let life get too serious, always finding humor and levity in a situation, reminding us all to just enjoy our time together.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lancaster Conservancy; give.LancasterConservancy.org in her name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com