Caryl Lee Groninger, 91, of Mexico, PA passed away peacefully at 6:48 pm on Monday, November 4, 2019 at the Lewistown Geisinger Hospital.
Born on March 31, 1928, in Beale Township, Juniata County, she was the daughter of the late J. Dewey and Katherine B. (McClure) McWilliams.
On July 21, 1950, she married the late John E. Groninger with whom she was blessed to share 66 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 22, 2016.
She is survived by her three children - a son, John E. Groninger, Jr., of Mifflin, and his wife, Cynthia, and her daughters, Kim E. (Groninger) Bomberger of Port Royal and her husband, David, and LuAnn (Groninger) Visser of Newport and her husband, Shaun; seven grandchildren, Alexa and Chad Groninger, of Mifflin, Zachary Bomberger and wife, Nicole, of Port Royal, Meagan (Bomberger) Besancon and husband, Andrew, of Morristown, TN, Philip Bomberger and wife, Brittney, of Mifflintown, Graham and Eric Visser of Newport; seven great grandchildren; and two siblings – a brother, J. Ed McWilliams of Mifflintown, and a sister, Pauline B. Campbell of Camp Hill.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by: one son, Barry Groninger, and two sisters, K. Roberta Robinson and Beatrice L. “Bebe” Reed.
Caryl graduated from Juniata Joint High School and worked as a Secretary at the American Viscose Corporation in Lewistown. Following marriage, she partnered with her husband, John, in their family businesses and was influential in decision making. Caryl was an active and devoted life long member of the Mexico Presbyterian Church and served as a trustee, elder, and also a Sunday School teacher in her earlier years. She was a member of the Governor Mifflin Chapter 260 Eastern Star, Mifflintown and previously served as a Director of Rental Property Owners of Central Pennsylvania.
Caryl and her husband John were avid Penn State fans and season ticket holders since 1956. She enjoyed hosting many tailgates with her friends. Caryl and John also enjoyed playing cards and square dancing with friends.
Caryl loved to travel with family and friends to locations far and wide including, South Africa, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Korea, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, China, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Most of all, she looked forward to annual family vacations at Rehoboth Beach. Although, she and her husband traveled the world, one of her favorite places was their “Cottage” along the Tuscarora Creek. There, she hosted many family reunions and a yearly “ham and green bean” supper, church picnics, various holidays and Sunday meals with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.
Those who knew Caryl know that she was a woman of deep faith who loved God and her family. Caryl will be greatly missed by many, but especially by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, November 8, 2019 at the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge St., Mifflintown, and from 9:30 am, Saturday, November 9, 2019 until the time of the funeral service.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge St., Mifflintown with the Rev. Crystal M. Lyde officiating. Interment will follow in the Adams Cemetery, Mifflintown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Groninger’s memory may be made to the Mexico Presbyterian Church, c/o Treasurer Carol Zeiders, 23265 Route 35 N., Mifflintown, PA 17059.
Online condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.