Caroline Busch Tompkins Lapetina, Former Ambler Teacher

Caroline Busch Tompkins Lapetina, 96, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2011 at the Artman Lutheran Home in Ambler where she had resided for four and a half years. She was born in Wyomissing, PA on June 19, 1915, the second daughter of the late Caroline Dannenhauer Busch and Conrad J. Busch. She was predeceased by her sister Margaret and brothers Conrad and Bill.

Caroline graduated from Wyomissing High School in the Class of 1933 and went on to Millersville College to earn her teaching degree in 1937. She started her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse where she taught all the subjects to 50 students in grades 1-8. She always said that experience was the best teacher training she could have had.

During World War II Caroline served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1945. Her name and picture are displayed on the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Following the war she went on to teach elementary school in Ambler for more than 40 years. Caroline loved her family, friends, and living life. Dancing was a favorite pastime. She always enjoyed it when a former student would greet her. One of her nurse assistants at Artman was a former student.

She was predeceased by both of her husbands, Russell Tompkins and Joseph Lapetina. Both men were successful businessmen in Ambler and active in community affairs including Kiwanis. She enjoyed taking part in their many activities. She was also a Lifetime Member of the Colony Club and active in her circle at the First Presbyterian Church of Ambler, where she was a member for more than 55 years.

Caroline is survived by her nieces Rebecca Busch Ludeke and husband Phil of Hopewell, NJ and Nancy Busch Wilson and husband John of Stratford, CT; her nephews Conrad H. Busch, Jr. and wife Candice of Atlanta, GA, Dick Yoder and wife Diane of Hamburg, PA, and Ned Busch and wife Mary of Kaneohe, Hawaii. She also leaves several great and great- great nieces and nephews and her best friend for over 65 years, Donna King.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and nurse’s aides at Artman for their devoted and loving care of Caroline in her last years. The family is also grateful to Life Choice hospice care in her final days.

A private burial service was held at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler, PA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7th at 12:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Ambler. There will be a calling hour at the church immediately preceding the service beginning at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Caroline’s memory to First Presbyterian Church of Ambler or to Feed the Children.

Arrangements By Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home
www.Shaeff-Myers.com