Carol Lee East

Carol Lee (Bortner) East, 73, of Lewisberry, PA, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 25, 1952, in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Katherine (Kohr) Miller.

Helping others came naturally to Carol, and family was her life. Fifty years ago, she met the man who would become her husband, Gene, while he was working behind the counter at Evans Food Mart in Middletown. Their paths crossed again at Nick’s 114 Café in New Cumberland, and this time they began dating. Before long, they were married and began to raise a family. A couple short years later, they purchased land and settled into the home they would build their life and family in—their forever home in Lewisberry.

Carol’s greatest happiness came from being surrounded by those she loved. Holidays were spent with family, and becoming a great-grandmother brought her tremendous joy. Beyond her own children, she became second “mom” to many neighborhood children and ‘The East House’ was a place for fun, comfort and laughter. With a big heart, genuine kindness, and a fun-loving spirit, people were drawn to Carol—and without even knowing or trying, she was the life of the party.

After spending many years caring for children, Carol went back to work. She worked as a secretary for her husband’s self-propelled business, East Machine Company, before taking on several housekeeping positions, including The Hotel Hershey. She also worked for many years as a banquet service attendant at the Holiday Inn, helping to prepare for and serve special events and celebrations. With her natural knack for organization and her desire to keep things clean and in order, Carol found her longest-lasting position working for a respected attorney in Harrisburg. She retired in 2025 after 35 years of dedicated service.

Carol was a longtime parishioner of St. Theresa Catholic Church in New Cumberland, a lifetime auxiliary member of New Cumberland VFW Post 7415, and an active member of the Mothers of Twins Club.

An exceptional bowler, Carol competed in local leagues for decades. She was fearless on water skis and had both the talent and the patience for cross-stitching. She kept an immaculate home, took pride in her appearance, and enjoyed gardening and planting around the house. If she found some time for herself, you could find her watching a classic black-and-white movie or skillfully filling the pages of an adult coloring book.

Despite serious health challenges in recent years, her smile and determination remained constant, as did her love of music. Those closest to her can remember happier summer days spent on the back deck, soaking up the sun with 45s spinning in the background. Though her loss brings great sadness, Carol leaves behind a life that will forever be remembered and worth celebrating.

Surviving Carol is her husband and best friend of 46 years, Eugene Anthony East; children, Stephanie Michelle East (Shawn Michael Brubaker) of Lewisberry, and Katherine Jean (East) Gladfelter (Chad Allen Gladfelter) of Lewisberry; grandchildren, Kenneth James Stetler, Alexis Nicole East, Max Lincoln Brubaker, Leah Jean Gladfelter, Logan Anthony Brubaker, and Allison Joelle Gladfelter; great-granddaughter, Lilyana Peach Stetler; siblings, Jacqueline Miller, and Darlene (Miller) Ramsey; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Eugene Anthony East II; and siblings, Kevin Bortner, Joe Christini, and Jack Miller.

A public viewing will take place from 11AM until 12PM on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Parthemore Funeral Home, New Cumberland, with a 12:30PM mass following at St. Theresa Catholic Church (located directly across the street from the funeral home). After mass, a procession will depart for Cross Roads Cemetery, Lewisberry, where Carol will be laid to rest. Following the burial, friends and family are welcome to gather for a luncheon at the James A. Danner VFW Post 537, Etters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parthemore Funeral Home to help offset Carol’s funeral expenses. Please visit www.parthemore.com to connect with funeral home staff.