Clare Ruth Tongel, 73

April 29, 2025

Clare Ruth Tongel, 73, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Theresa (Myers) Peterman. She was the loving wife of James J. Tongel for 48 years.

Clare was a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University. She worked as an office accountant for Giant Food Stores for 27 years. Clare loved spending time with her grandchildren and attended countless sporting events and concerts to support them. She was a talented artist and enjoyed drawing and watercolors. A devout Catholic, Clare attended St. Joseph Catholic Church for over 35 years, was the head of their hospitality committee for over 10 years, a member of the Rosary Society, Women’s Club, and Legion of Mary, and served as a eucharistic minister.

In addition to her husband Jim, she is survived by 3 sons: Matthew Tongel (Amy Jo), Mark Tongel (Michelle), and Michael Tongel (Kelly); 8 grandchildren: Christopher (Brianna), Benjamin, Nicholas, Oliver, Sebastian, Theodore, Collin, and Amelia; 1 great-granddaughter, Paisley; siblings: Kathy (Vernon), Vicki, Lois, and Raymond; and sister-in-law, Susana. She was predeceased by her brother James Dennis Peterman, sister-in-law Maureen, and brother-in-law Richard.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the aides, nurses and therapists that took loving care of Clare.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St, Lancaster, PA 17603. The family will receive guests beginning at 10 AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Clare’s name to ALS United Mid-Atlantic.