Anna L. Caro

Anna Louise “Grammy” Caro, 92, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, at UPMC Hamot, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 11, 1933, in Clearfield, PA, Anna was the daughter of Philip and Mary Jennie (Pontillo) Lope. Anna married Frederick John Caro in 1957.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband; sisters, Virginia S. Lope and Rose Fitzpatrick; and brothers, Frank and Patrick Lope. She is survived by her sister, Virginia D. (Jean) Skiddle.

Family was Anna’s greatest joy. She was a devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend—and “Grammy” to the local community. Her home was always open, and anyone who entered was welcomed, fed and treated as family.

She is lovingly remembered by her six children: Becky (Walt) Dickson of Holly Ridge, NC; Jenny Barr of Milton, DE; Fred Caro of Union City, PA; Melissa Caro (Carrie Watson) of Summerville, SC; Matt (Audra) Caro of Edinboro, PA; and Mike Caro (Tami Gillette) of Edinboro, PA.

Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren: Ryan (Sara), Lauren (Michael), Amy (Sonny), Megan (Brian), Bethany (Adam), Nick (Quinn), Tyler, Beau, Mattie, and Josh; and her fourteen great-grandchildren: Grace, Charlotte, Ben, Brooks, Brady, John, August, Charlie, Clara, Tommy, John, Maggie, Collins, and Brady.

Anna supported her husband’s teaching and coaching career as they lived in Lock Haven, PA; Tyrone, PA; Derry, PA; and Springfield, MA, before settling in Edinboro, PA.

Education was important in her life. A 1951 graduate of Clearfield Area Senior High School, she attended Lock Haven State Teachers’ College and later earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She dedicated her career to teaching special needs, ESL, and minority students throughout Erie and Crawford counties, as well as in Palm Beach County, FL.

Anna began, and faithfully continued, a 43-year family tradition of summer vacations at Topsail Beach, North Carolina, creating a lifetime of treasured memories.

Her grandchildren fondly remember sleepovers when Grammy would tell random parent-kid stories, read Pickle-Chiffon Pie and other beloved children’s books, make-up various poetic rhymes, and eventually exclaim “shhh… the elephants are coming” to prepare for bedtime. These moments of imagination and warmth became a fond part of their childhoods.

Anna’s impact extended far beyond her immediate family. She served on the General McLane School Board, where she advocated for the Erie Vocational Technical School to diversify learning opportunities. She was also a former member and past President of Edinboro State College’s Faculty Wives Association, an active member of the Edinboro Garden Club and a proud member of the Shadbush Club of Edinboro.

A courageous advocate for children, she was a trusted confidant to exploited children, and she bravely spoke out on behalf of these innocent victims—locally and across the Commonwealth.

A lifelong supporter of youth programs, Anna was a founder of the Edinboro Youth Wrestling Program. She rarely missed her family’s athletic events or school activities. Her voice could always be heard—cheering loudly for every kid. She encouraged them to try, to have fun, and to do their very best. Even when attending in person became difficult, she adapted—by following her grandson’s, and their teammates, via iPad.

She loved playing bingo; cooking, baking, and canning; painting and calligraphy; wreath-making, flower arranging, gardening, and crafting; playing checkers and Chinese checkers; tackling challenging puzzles; playing cards; and using social media to stay connected. She traveled widely throughout the United States and had interest in learning more about native American Indians, the Code Talkers and the Gullah people. She also enjoyed her travels to Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Mexico, and Belize.

Independent and determined, Anna rode her stationary bike daily while living on her own with her beloved dog Gus.

Anna leaves behind a family grounded in love, strengthened by tradition, and inspired by her courage and devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Friends may call at Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 2 - 7 p.m. and Friday, March 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Burial will follow in Edinboro Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Edinboro Youth Wrestling Club. Payment may be made online or by check. PayPal: @EYWC or check: Edinboro Youth Wrestling Club at PO Box 18, McKean, PA 16426. Please include note: In memory of Anna Caro.

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