Carolyn J. (Bear) Rishel

Carolyn J. Rishel

YORK – Carolyn J. Rishel, 90, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, October 23, 2024 at Misericordia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in York.

Carolyn was born on February 26, 1934 to the late Allen and Kathryn (Knouse) Bear in York. She graduated from North York High School in 1952 where she served as Class Secretary. She was the wife of Harold L. Rishel, who preceded her in death on August 11, 2021. They were married for nearly 69 years and were committed partners in life and business. 

During the early years of their marriage, Carolyn embraced her role as “farmerette” and worked alongside Harold at several farms in York County. She was an active member and President of the York County Society of Farm Women - Group #1. In the late 1950s, Harold and Carolyn served as house parents at the Milton Hershey School, where they impacted the lives of many young boys. Fueled by Carolyn’s ambition and sense of adventure, the couple and their young family moved to Dover in 1963 and opened Rishel’s Grocery and Laundromat on Main Street. They were proud business owners for over 20 years and compassionate leaders in their community, always welcoming new friends into their lives and their home.

Carolyn will be remembered for her generosity, her devotion, and her whimsical spirit. Her candy dish was always stocked and her guest book always open for visitors. Her “fun bag” was full of costumes and creative prizes for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to play cards, do puzzles, and watch the birds from the windows of every place she lived. She was an avid reader and storyteller and was skilled at connecting with all people she met.

Carolyn loved few things more than a scenic Sunday drive, and Harold would happily chauffeur their Oldsmobile through the back roads of central Pennsylvania. He is certainly grateful to be reunited with his wife, his navigator, and his greatest love.

Carolyn is survived by four children: Kathy A. (Chris) Rowlands of Dover, Jeffrey L. (Erin) Rishel of York, Beth A. (Bill) Simms of Red Lion, and Holly S. (Jerry) Kile of Glen Rock; ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren: Emily (Nick) Wiley - Sam, Nora, and Evie; Andrew Rowlands; Laura (Stephen) Cashman - Maggie, Hunter and Ellie; Meghan (Sam Rinde) Rishel - Jonah, Ruby, and Maya; Kurt Rishel, Erik (Ally) Rishel, Alex (Brandy) Simms - Will and Lee; Lynsi Simms - Layla and Marlee; Sara Simms; and Chandler (Christine) Larkin; and two siblings Richard Bear and Bonita Miller.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carolyn's viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 47 N. Queen Street, Dover. A private burial will be held at Suburban Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Misericordia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 998 S. Russell Street, York, PA 17402.

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

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