Carolyn G. Galebach

Carolyn Strickler Greider “Carney” Galebach passed peacefully in her sleep into the arms of Jesus on August 18, 2024, at Willow Valley Communities, just having celebrated her 95th birthday. She was the loving wife of Herbert Risser Galebach with whom she celebrated 73 years of marriage.  

Carolyn was born on August 5, 1929, to parents Rea Engle and Barbara Strickler Greider. She had many fond memories growing up on the family farm near Landisville, PA, with her three sisters. She graduated in the class of 1947 from East Hempfield High School where she excelled in academics, cheerleading and field hockey. While working at the former Armstrong Cork Company, Carolyn met the love of her life, Herb, and married in 1950. Within that decade she delighted in becoming a mother to three children, Stephen, Cynthia and Kimberly and supported her husband as he and his brother took over ownership of the family furniture business, Galebach’s Furniture Store.  

Always an active person, Carolyn was involved in church and school and found joy in entertaining family and friends with wonderful home cooked meals and desserts. She even made the weekly meal of liver (and onions) tolerable. She had a flair for entertaining and fashion, and enjoyed reading and playing bridge with friends. Through the years Carolyn worked part-time at Talbots, Watt and Shand, The Counseling and Renewal Center, Mary Kay, and Galebach’s Furniture Store. She was a past member of the Auxiliary of Lancaster General Hospital, the Women’s Republican Club of Lancaster County and the Conestoga Country Club. 

A member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carolyn participated in numerous church ministries and served with the “Nightingale’s”, a hospital visitation group. She had a gift of prayer and blessed many parishioners as she faithfully, into her late 80’s, performed her hospital visits. Her family was also gratefully on the receiving end of her prayers, where she would pray daily, by name, for her growing family.  

Known as “Nonny” to her sixteen grandchildren, Carolyn enjoyed time spent with all of them; participating in school events, graduations and cheering them on in their many sporting endeavors through their high school and college years. She enjoyed traveling to England to visit her daughter and family there, trips to Stone Harbor and Avalon, and winters in Naples, FL. 

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate and caring staff on the second floor of The Glen at Willow Valley, and to her caregiver through Connections At Home. 

In addition to her husband, Carolyn is survived by her children Stephen H Galebach married to Diane, Cynthia G Herr married to Stuart, and Kimberly A Bourne; her grandchildren Tim Galebach (Anna), Adele Galebach Dittus (Brock), Annie Galebach Caress (Adam), William Galebach (Justine), Peter Galebach (Emily), Bernice Galebach Blackman (Theodore), Philip Galebach (Julieta), Carolyn Galebach, Maria Galebach, Julia Galebach, Helen Herr Brubaker (Christopher), Paige Herr Flowers (John), Betsy Herr Montgomery (Ian), Elisabeth Bourne Jenkins (Thomas), John Bourne (Katherine), Anna Bourne (partner William) and her 24 beautiful great grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews. Carolyn was predeceased by her infant daughter, Deborah Lynn, and her sisters Mildred Lehman, Martha Germer Corll and Miriam Bentzel. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in celebration of Carolyn’s life at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 on Tuesday August 27, 2024 at 11:00 am. Family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn’s name to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Private family interment will be held at Penryn Cemetery, Penryn, PA.