Carolyn Landmesser Dorset Baumgardner

DOVER - We praise God that on July 22, 2026, Carolyn, at the age of 90, was completely healed as she entered her heavenly home after a short battle with cancer.

Without a doubt, the love of her life, Irvin Baumgardner Sr., was waiting with open arms. We imagine they wasted no time finding a square dance, something they loved to do together throughout the United States and around the world. If Heaven has a dance floor, they're already on it.

Carolyn leaves behind her son, Richard D. Dorset of Carey, NC; her daughter, Connie Dorset Trynovich (Ray) Elizabethtown; her stepsons, Irvin "Toby" Baumgardner Jr. (Karen) from Steward, IL; and Scott Baumgardner (Bonnie) of Weigelstown; 5 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, along with countless friends whose lives she touched. Before leaving us, she had one final piece of motherly advice: "Clean out the house!"

Carolyn graduated from York High in1953. Until she retired, she created custom draperies for 52 years.

The first things to disappear were the tubs of quilting supplies—followed closely by yarn, and more yarn she faithfully collected for knitting prayer shawls and custom sweaters. She would probably smile knowing her family now fully appreciates just how much yarn one person could accumulate.

Some people leave footprints wherever they go. Carolyn seemed to leave friends.

Her love language was service. Whether she was tying quilts for missions, knitting prayer shawls, making Christmas crafts, counting Sunday offerings, helping at the Dover Fire Ladies Auxiliary banquets, or serving wherever she saw a need, Carolyn quietly made life better for those around her. She faithfully attended Calvary Lutheran Church and served on the Dover Election Board for more than 50 years, also an active member of the Dover Fire Ladies Auxiliary, the Dover Lionesses, and later the Dover Lions Club. She was honored to receive the Melvin Jones Fellowship award, the highest recognition for her service from the Lions Club International Foundation.

She also spent more than 40 years bowling—not because she was chasing trophies, but because she loved the people. She had a gift for turning strangers into friends, and friends into family. She never sought recognition; she simply showed up, pitched in, and made everyone feel welcome. If Heaven has committees, she's already volunteered. If there's a bowling league, she's probably introduced herself to everyone, and if someone needs encouragement, she's already found them.

Carolyn leaves behind a legacy not measured by accomplishments, but by the lives she touched, the kindness she shared, and the quiet example of faithful service she lived every day. The best way to honor her is simple: love God, serve others, make a new friend wherever you go—and don't be afraid to buy a little extra yarn.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carolyn's Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover with a visitation to follow.  Burial will take place privately in Rest Haven Cemetery in Hanover.  Officiating will be her pastor, the Rev. Abigail Leese.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Calvary Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover, PA 17315.

To share memories of Carolyn and condolences with her family, please visit www.emigfuneralhome.com.

Calvary Lutheran Church
9 N. Main St., Dover PA 17315