Carolee M. Thatcher

Carolee M. Thatcher, 82, of Duboistown, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at home with her loving husband of 60 years, Richard L. Thatcher, by her side.

Born July 30, 1943, in Pittston, Carolee learned how to theme and serve a proper tea party from her mom, Betty Stankus, how to create a color palette and give back to the community from her dad, Leo Stankus, and the value of hard work and a good education from both of her parents.

After graduating from Pittston High School in 1961, Carolee earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mansfield University and a master’s degree in education from Towson University.  

Carolee married Richar Thatcher in 1965, and she journeyed through life with Dick, seeing each day as an adventure and as a gift. Carolee spent time in nature, camping and kayaking through a variety of states, spending time with family and friends on Hilton Head Island, and floating in her innertube and pontoon-boating on Waneta Lake.

She took opportunities to celebrate and give back – from dressing up as a witch, passing out candy, and riding the trolley to celebrate Halloween in downtown Williamsport, to welcoming the Thatcher family for multi-day (and night) New Year’s gatherings, to transforming the ambience of the Love Center and serving meals in Jersey Shore.

As a reading teacher, she served the students and the communities of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania for 30 years. Through her career and her travels, Carolee shared the gift of reading – buying books for kids, teaching kids and adults to read, and instilling an interest in reading as a life-long hobby.

As a grandmother, Carolee showered her family, especially her grandchildren, with love and affection, taking pictures and perfectly framing people and their experiences together to reflect on and remember for years to come; and this snapshot is for her.

In addition to her husband, Carolee is survived by her son, Chad M. Thatcher (Deanna); two grandchildren, Benjamin M. and Alexander L. Thatcher; as well as a brother, Dr. Richard P Stankus (Dianne). Carolee was preceded in death by her brother, Barry L. Stankus.

Carolee’s family will hold a Celebration of Life for her at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carolee’s name to the Lycoming County SPCA, 2805 Reach Rd, Williamsport, PA 17701.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolee M. Thatcher, please visit our floral store.