Caroline John

HANOVER Caroline Moul Fitz John, 95, of Homewood at Plum Creek in Hanover, died Tuesday, October 21, 2014. Born in Hanover, on April 23, 1919, Caroline was the daughter of the late Earl Samuel Fitz and Virginia Washington Lewis Fitz. She was the wife of Adolph E. John, her husband of 22 years, who predeceased her on December 5, 2009. She was also predeceased by a brother, Earl Samuel Fitz, Jr., and sisters, Ann Fitz Lesley and Elizabeth Fitz Bixby. Caroline was a graduate of Eichelberger High School class of 1937 and received the prestigious Oak Leaf Award, which represents strength of character, leadership, and dependability. A graduate of Wilson College, Chambersburg, in 1941, she majored in German and then went on to receive a Masters Degree in Library Science from Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University), Philadelphia, in 1942. Caroline's career as a librarian covered many types of librariesschool, county, federal, and public. Her earliest position was as an apprentice in the Hanover Public Library, a position she continued throughout her high school and college years. Her mentor was library director Mabel C. Wolcott. Upon graduation from Drexel Institute, Caroline remained at the college as assistant cataloger. For a short period, she served at the Louisville Public Library (Louisville, Ohio) which was housed in the Louisville High School serving both the school and the public. Then she went on to become assistant director of the Geauga County Library in Chardon, Ohio, and director of the Receiving Station Library at Norfolk Naval Base in Norfolk, Va. Most of her career was spent on Long Island, N.Y., in the Valley Stream Public Library (1951-1967) and Amityville Public Library (1967-1983). As director of each library she was instrumental in the construction of a new library building and in the expansion of extensive book collections for reference and pleasure reading. She was the first professional librarian certified by the State of New York of the Amityville Public Library from which she retired in 1983. After retiring from her library career, Caroline married Adolph E. John of Valley Stream, N.Y., and in 1987 returned to her hometown of Hanover, where she continued to live for nearly 30 years. Caroline was a member of the American Library Association as well as the New York State and Nassau and Suffolk County Library Associations. She was a member of Zonta International, a service organization for executive and professional women, for more than 50 years. She held many offices in the organization on the local and district level one term as president of the Long Island chapter (1965-1967), two terms as treasurer, one as lieutenant governor, and one term (1980-1982) as Governor of District III covering the east coast from New York to South Carolina. She was also a member of the Mary P. Myton Literary Society of Amityville and the Community Club of Garden City, N.Y. She was listed in Who's Who of American Women and Who's Who in Library Science. A lifelong member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 124 Broadway, Hanover, Caroline served on the Consistory as deacon and elder for about 10 years. She was a member of the National AARP and more than a 50-year member of the Col. Richard McCalister Chapter DAR serving about 10 years as secretary. She was also a member of the Hanover Area Historical Society. During her lifetime Caroline enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., including Hawaii. She also visited England, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. She was an avid reader and seamstress and also enjoyed playing bridge, making silver jewelry, photography, and knitting. Caroline is survived by nephews and nieces including Rob and Deb Bixby of Hanover, Andy and Louise Bixby of Colorado, Susan Lesley and Mark Mieritz of Wisconsin, and Sam and Beth Lesley of Arizona; and close friends, Barb and Don Horneff of Hanover. As per Caroline's wishes, a private service will be held. Memorial gifts may be made to Zonta International, Long Island Chapter, 1900 Browning St., Baldwin, NY 11510; National Society of The Daughters of The American Revolution, Colonel Richard McCalister Chapter, c/o Cree Peck, 32 Lee St., Hanover, PA 17331; or Emmanuel U.C.C. Music, 124 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331. Arrangements are under the care of Panebaker Funeral Home, Inc., Hanover. Expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting www.PanebakerFuneralHome.com