Jayme L. Mearhoff

Jayme Layne Ainsley Mearhoff passed away after a courageous, hard-fought battle with Colorectal cancer on Friday, June 19, 2026. Her married life started with her wedding song "Harvest Moon" with an actual Harvest Moon rising during the first dance and she took her last breath in the physical form to the same song, a truly full circle moment that gave great peace and clarity.

She was born on May 13, 1980, to Bill and Terry Ainsley in Uniontown, Pa. She graduated from Laurel Highlands High School in 1998 and the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. She then continued her education at East Stroudsburg University and obtained her Master's Degree in Elementary Education. She then began her teaching career at Paxinosa Elementary School and eventually found her home at Cheston Elementary School in the Easton School District, where she taught first grade and was a perfect fit. She loved her role as a teacher and the students that she inspired.

Jayme leaves behind the loves of her life: husband, Mark, daughter, Ainsley Layne, son, Desmond Lee, proud parents, Bill and Terry Ainsley, brother, William Ainsley, in laws, Lee and Lucille (Bert) Mearhoff, brother-in-law, Chris Mearhoff, sister's-in-law, Meredith and Lindsey Mearhoff and a niece, nephews, cousins, and so many wonderful friends.

She will be sadly missed but her spirit lives on in her family, especially Ainsley Layne and Desmond Lee, the light of her life and her purpose of being. So many of Jayme's great traits have been passed on to them and she will live on through them each and every day. They will carry on her greatest virtues---compassion, empathy, understanding, patience and acceptance.

Jayme loved so many different things but the focus was always on fun and great life experiences, the definition of fun changed as her life did but she always loved to travel and visit different destinations, there were so many great trips it's hard to gauge which one was her favorite-her destination wedding to Riveria Maya in Mexico in 2011, her honeymoon to Belgium shortly thereafter, San Francisco to Yosemite, or just a spontaneous day trip and countless others.

She was a lifelong Pittsburgh sports team fan until a full conversion to all things Philadelphia, including the Eagles and especially the Phillies. Baseball became a passion for her over the past years, and she loved going to games regularly, it was a safe and calming place for her (unless the Phillies lost).

Her love of my music and traveling to different music venues was her favorite past time. She saw Pearl Jam over 30 times including some legendary shows including "The 10 Show" in Philadelphia where she bawled her eyes out to the rendition of "Release", "PJ20" in Alpine Valley, as well "Wrigley 2013" where she sat in the air conditioned hotel room while her husband and friends waited 10 hours in 96 degree heat for an Emek poster.

Dave Matthews Band was also one of her favorites and saw them countless times. "Shotgun", "You and Me" and "Virginia in the Rain" were favorites. Finally, My Morning Jacket became her favorite band during her most recent health struggles and served as a form of therapy and almost a religion for her. MMJ transformed her soul and provided great support to her emotionally. Songs like "I Will Sing You Songs" "Steam Engine" and "Smokin from Shooting" transported her to different place when she heard them live and allowed her to live in the moment and there was no pain, fear anxiety, just joy. Thank you Eddie, Dave and Jim.

Jayme was an avid reader and always loved a great book, she also loved something like simple as her baths, where she would take time to reflect on everyday life, unwind and be grateful for everything she accomplished, big or small. She was the lowest maintenance person and had an easy way about her and always appreciated the small things.

She will be remembered for her spirit, love of life, and dedication to her family, friends, colleagues, and students. She made the world a better place, did it without needing any recognition and expects you to do the same.

"I'll ride the wave, where it takes me, I'll hold the pain, Release Me" Eddie Vedder

"Dark Clouds may hang on me sometimes But I'll work it out" Dave Matthews

"Kumbaya my lord, c'mon row your boat ashore The river's long, it is cold It chills the body but not the soul"- Jim James

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 4-8:00 p.m. at Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Another viewing will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 10-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of Jayme's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donations be made to: The Kellyn Foundation, The Vitalogy Foundation or Cheston Elementary in the Easton School District in memory of Jayme.

Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.