Carol Ann (Atkins) Serfass

Carol Ann Serfass, age 71, passed peacefully at her home on July 16th 2014 in Jefferson Pennsylvania surrounded by family after a short but strong fight against pancreatic cancer. Carol was born on Christmas Day December 25, 1942 in Dallastown PA to the late Edna “Dolly” and John Atkins. She was named Carol because of Christmas carols. Carol married Gerald E. Serfass on April 11, 1959 at St Johns United Church of Christ in Red Lion, PA and celebrated 55 years of marriage. Jerry and Carol had three children, five grandchildren, and a great grandchild. Carol is survived by her husband Gerald and children; Cheri Roth and her husband Jeffrey Roth (deceased) of Chambersburg PA and their children; Andrew Roth and his wife Kristen of Columbus OH; Elizabeth Poeppelman and her husband Phil and their 6 week old child Amelia of North Charleston, SC; Gerald Serfass II and his wife Claudia of York, PA; Jennifer Dean and her husband John and their children; Alexandra, Ian, and Gavin of Columbus OH Carol was the eldest of seven children and played an important role in taking care of them growing up. She is survived by: Diana Smeigh, Edna Booth and late husband Eldon, John Atkins, Steven and wife Patricia Atkins, David Atkins, and Gladys Haugh. Carol was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She was generous with her time to help anyone in need and impacted more lives than she ever realized. She stayed at home to raise their three children and played an important role in caring for all of the grandchildren. Carol served as the bookkeeper for her husband’s Gerald E. Serfass Nationwide Insurance Agency for 30 years. She also taught junior and senior high students Sunday School at St. John United Church of Christ for over 30 years. Carol cared for her ailing father for many years, as well as her mother. Carol was a Reiki Master and had a deep passion for reading and learning insights well ahead of her time. She self-taught and practiced alternative healing modalities. Carol loved spending time with her husband and family. They have many fond memories of extensive travels in the US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean Islands, Europe, and her favorite most magical place…Disney World. For the last 45 years, Carol and Jerry lived in the house and farm they built where they had horses, dogs, cats, and fish. They loved spending peaceful time watching the birds, listening to the waterfall, and sharing time with family and friends. Carol enjoyed the holidays and created many special traditions for family and friends especially at Christmas and Halloween. Carol was also a great storyteller making us all laugh until we would cry. Carol taught us about slowing down to enjoy the beauty of each day, each moment, every sunset…to take the road less traveled and be happy and at peace in the here and now. Carol was deeply loved and will be missed by many. We will remember all she taught us. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 21 at Life Tributes by Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Pl., Red Lion with long time family friend, the Rev Dr. John E Fureman officiating. Viewings will be Sunday, July 20 from 5PM-7PM and Monday, July 21 from 10 AM-11 AM. Burial will be in Susquehanna Memorial Gardens, 250 Chestnut Hill Road, York PA 17402. Flowers can be sent to Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Home in Red Lion or donations to Hoffman Home for Youth, a psychiatric residential treatment program for children, at 815 Orphanage Road, Littlestown, PA 17340. www.hoffmanhomes.com. Share notes of remembrance at BestLifeTributes.com.