Carolyn Marie Gierasch (Pandolph), 79, of York, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at York Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.

Carolyn was born on December 23, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Charles and Ann E. (Culbertson) Pandolph. She grew up in and around Greensburg, Pennsylvania, as part of an Italian family where life centered on family, food, laughter, and gatherings. That upbringing shaped Carolyn’s lifelong love of entertaining.  She often welcomed friends and family with open arms, a full table, and a warm smile that made everyone feel at home.

Carolyn graduated from Salem College in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. She began her teaching career in Westhampton Beach, New York, where she taught physical education for two years and first discovered her love of beach life, which is something she would enjoy throughout her life in Rehoboth Beach and Sanibel Island, Florida.  This is also where she met her future husband, William C. Gierasch, Jr. (Bill).  

On December 27, 1969, she married Bill during a Western Pennsylvania snowstorm. Together they built a life grounded in devotion, family, and mutual support. While Bill attended The Dickinson School of Law, Carolyn taught physical education in the Chambersburg Area School District, always encouraging and supporting him. In 1973, they made their home in York, Pennsylvania, where Carolyn would leave a lasting mark on the community.

Carolyn dedicated 26 years to the York Suburban School District, teaching children from kindergarten through second grade. A gifted, caring, and deeply compassionate educator, she touched countless young lives and was widely respected and loved by students, families, and colleagues alike. In the early 1990s, she earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Millersville University, further enhancing her understanding of child development and strengthening her already remarkable teaching abilities. Her impact on generations of students remains one of her proudest legacies.

Above all else, Carolyn was an extraordinarily loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She cheered loudly and passionately at her sons’ and grandchildren’s sporting events, sometimes with more enthusiasm than understanding of the rules, and was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, later becoming an equally devoted Baltimore Orioles fan at Bill’s gentle coaxing.

Carolyn is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Bill; her sons Stephen C. Gierasch and his wife Shannon of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and Scott W. Gierasch and his wife Tiffany of Catonsville, Maryland; her cherished grandchildren Chase, Amelia, Linnea, Cameron, and Alex; and her mother, Ann E. Pandolph. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Pandolph, and her brothers, Charles and Michael Pandolph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Church, 2935 Kingston Road, York, with The Rev. Kyle Sahd as Celebrant.  Visitation will be 9:30-11:00 AM.  Interment will be private.  Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to the York Suburban Education Foundation, 1800 Hollywood Drive, York, PA 17403-- a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was devoted to children, learning, and love.