Caroline H. (Bachman) Turnbach

Caroline H. Turnbach, 93, of Sugarloaf, passed away Monday afternoon, December 26, 2022 at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community in Drums.

Born in West Hazleton, March 16, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Harry H. and Anna Martha (Pfannkuch) Bachman, Sr. and her stepmother the late Mamie (Ervin) Bachman, Sr. and had spent most of her life in Sugarloaf.

Caroline was a graduate of Black Creek Twp. High School Class of 1947.  In her younger years she worked on her family's farm, the Bachman's Orchard, and after marriage she worked on the Turnbach Family Farm, both of Sugarloaf.  Caroline was a long-term member of Christ Church United Church of Christ, Conyngham where she was a Primary Sunday School Teacher for 15 years, and lifelong member of the Women's Service Circle.  She was also active in the Conyngham Valley Historical Society, and served as a 4-H Leader of the Luzerne County Agriculture Extension Office with her specialty in sewing and cooking instruction.  Caroline was talented in antique and furniture restoration, and adored the old functional art skills of chair caning, participating in the annual chair caning demonstration at the Historical Brainerd Church, Sybertsville.  

She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her husband Burton Theodore Turnbach, her longtime companion, Stephen Bodnar, Sr., two grandsons, Joshua DeShon and Andrew Lynn, and a brother Harry H. Bachman, Jr.

Surviving are three children, Joliet Custer, VA; Linda DeShon and her companion Jeffrey Derr, Sugarloaf; and Eric Turnbach and his companion Kimberly Menton, Sugarloaf; five grandchildren, Nichole Trovitch and husband Michael, Drums; Talitha Custer-Longo and husband Brandon, Queens, NY; James Turnbach and his companion Marisa Schlauch, Sugarloaf; Aaron Payne and his companion Katie Miller, Sugarloaf; and Amy Noss and husband John, Shickshinny; five great-grandchildren, Michael, Jaylyn, Mackenzie, Scarlett, and Taylor; a sister-in-law June (Turnbach) Blamey, Sugarloaf; many nieces, nephews, and many great friends, including the Bodnar family, Beach Haven; and Betty Luschyk, Zion Grove.

Her funeral will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  Interment will take place in Conyngham Union Cemetery, Conyngham.  Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (West), 1265 Rock Glen Rd., Rock Glen is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ United Church of Christ, PO Box 187, Conyngham, PA 18219.  Online condolences can be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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