Carol was born in the Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA, on January 1st, 1943. She had the distinction of being the first baby born that year in Harrisburg.
Carol Sue graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School (class of 1960) and earned an Accounting degree from Harrisburg Area Community College. While working for the Billie Burke Club Plan in Harrisburg, she met the love of her life, Alex Strencosky. She dedicated 36 years of service to the PA State Insurance Comptroller, retiring in 2001.
Carol was a woman of deep, unwavering faith and an unparalleled servant of her community. As a charter member of Holy Name of Jesus Church, she dedicated herself fully, volunteering for more than 30 years at the HNJ Festivals and running them with Alex for 4 years, working weekly bingo nights for 35 years, heading it for 11, and serving with the Ladies CCW, catering funeral meals, and counting collections.
Her civic involvement extended far beyond the church. With Alex, she was active in the Penn-Gardens Civic Club, serving as Secretary and eventually President. She was the Membership Chairman of the Lower Paxton Golden Agers and, over 40 years, personally organized countless trips and cruises for senior citizens, becoming a cherished travel planner for many. Carol was also well known throughout the community for her famous, home-made chocolate candies, which she happily crafted and sold at local craft shows for many years alongside her daughter, Michelle.
Above all else, Carol’s greatest joy was her family. She was deeply involved in the lives of her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving them with an incredible legacy of service, love, and community spirit.
She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, but the family takes comfort knowing she is finally and joyfully reunited with her beloved Alex.
She is also reunited in heaven with her parents, George and Susan Stair, and her brothers, William and George Stair.
She is survived by a loving family, including her daughter, Michelle Strencosky Carraher (husband Timothy); two grandsons, Matthew Carraher (wife Emily) and Benjamin Carraher (wife Megan); five beautiful great-grandchildren (Audrey, David, Alexander, Brynn, Gwen); and her sister, Phyllis Stair Simpson (husband William).
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be from 10:00 AM Thursday until the time of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making donations to the Kidney Foundation of Central PA for the Camp Kydnie Fund.
