Carole J. Peipher

Carole J. Peipher, 89, of Willow Street, PA passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, in the company of her husband, Dick, and son, Tom. Her passing was a vignette of her lifetime; graceful, brave, and loving of others. Carole was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and educated at Vassar and Rice for her Bachelor’s of Education and then her Master’s at University of Delaware. Her claim to fame was that, at age 19, she earned the title of Miss Missouri in the 1956 Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, NJ. Shortly after, she married her first husband, Bill, and had three children, Bill, Anne, and Tom. Carole married Richard (Dick) Peipher after retiring and enjoyed 20 years of marriage in northern DE until they moved to Willow Valley Communities outside of Lancaster, PA in 2021.

After college, Carole absolutely loved being an elementary teacher focused on the gifted and talented programs throughout the northern Delaware schools and loved bringing the core subjects of English, Math, and History to her students. Her legacy was to bring the love of learning to generations of students and making history come to life through school plays and annual trips to Williamsburg. Carole was recognized with numerous teaching awards, grants, and scholarships and enjoyed the experiences to bring even more value back to the classroom.

Outside of work, Carole was an incredible singer and actress starring in numerous shows with Delaware groups such as The Brandywiners and The Interpreters and performed at a number of dinner theaters and Longwood Gardens. Oklahoma, Camelot, Little Mary Sunshine, Mikado, and many more shows delighted audiences in Delaware and Pennsylvania over the years. In her retired years, Carole continued entertaining audiences as a tour guide at both Winterthur and Nemours Mansion museums in Delaware.

As a parent, she loved her kids, gave all she could, and sacrificed time and funds to do whatever it took to help them with their dreams and activities. Carole was an amazing

baker and famous for her strawberry rhubarb pies, carrot cake, Lindy’s cheesecake, angel biscuits, and so many more favorites that grew over the years. The highlight of inviting Carole to family and friend events was her funny stories and amazing treats.

Carole passed peacefully under the wonderful care of Willow Valley along with family and so many friends. She continually mentioned how much she loved those around her, especially her beloved husband, Dick, who she adored and kissed until she was taken home to the Lord. She is survived by her husband Dick Peipher and his family; son and daughter-in-law Tom and Melissa Weisenfels with their children Lilly and Andrew; daughter Anne Weisenfels and her children Bo and Grace Caldwell. She was predeceased by her son Bill, survived by granddaughter Tricia. Mom, wife, grandma, friend, teacher, beauty queen, singer, actress, and great lady, she gave so much and will be dearly missed though knowingly embraced by her Lord and Savior in heaven’s paradise.

Carole’s family will receive guests from 10 to 11 am, followed by a celebration of her life at 11 am with The Rev. Dr. Zachary Wooten officiating, on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Willow Street United Church of Christ. A reception will follow at The Farm at Eagles Ridge, 465 Long Lane, Lancaster, PA 17603. Private interment will be in Willow Street U.C.C. Cemetery.

Kindly consider a contribution in Carole’s memory to Willow Street U.C.C., 2723 Willow Street Pike North, Willow Street, PA 17584 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place. Memphis, TN 38105.

St. Jude Children's Reserach Hospital