Caroline M. (Mahonski) Engel, 92, of South Williamsport, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2026.
Born April 13, 1934, in Williamsport, she was the daughter of the late Bruno and Anna (Kereski) Mahonski.
A chance meeting at a dance in Bastress led Caroline to the love of her life, Howard A. Engel. United by their strong faith and shared values, they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion. Together they were blessed with ten children and shared 53 years of marriage.
Caroline and Howard were faithful members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Newberry. Later in life, Caroline attended St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church in South Williamsport, where her faith continued to be a source of strength and comfort.
A devoted homemaker, Caroline cherished time spent with family and friends. She worked at the Lycoming County Courthouse and enjoyed Bingo and card games, especially 500 Rummy, where she was known for her competitive spirit. If you sat down to play cards with Caroline, you were welcome at the table–but don’t expect her to let you win. She also loved to celebrate and dance, especially in her later years at the Hootenanny. Whenever the song “Sweet Caroline” played at a wedding or family gathering, she could be found singing and dancing along.
Family was at the center of Caroline’s life. She loved bringing loved ones together for holidays, weekends at the family cabin, and time spent at the river lot. Her Easter egg hunts, Christmas traditions, homemade strawberry jam, pierogies, and pies created memories that will be cherished for generations. Her grandchildren will especially remember the way she made each of them feel loved, valued, and special. Her greatest joy was the large, loving family she nurtured through the years.
Caroline is survived by eight children, Doris (Jerry) Rishel, Donna (Curt) Brennan, Susan (Tom) Dincher, Mary (Warren) Choate, Elaine (Jeff) Cully, Joe (Kathy) Engel, John (Jenn) Engel, and Andrea (Bob) Bower; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and her companion of 20 years, Richard Rankinen, whose kindness and friendship brought happiness to her later years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard A. Engel in 2004; twin sons, James and Jirard Engel; her beloved grandson, Howdy Moser; and five sisters; and three brothers.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 800 West Central Ave., South Williamsport, PA 17702, July 2, 2026, at 10:30 am with Father Glenn McCreary officiating. Lunch afterwards in the Church Hall. Interment will be private with the family.
Caroline will be remembered for her steadfast faith and deep devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through the traditions she created and the generations of loved ones blessed to know her.
