Carole Piontkowsky

Carole Margaret Piontkowsky, a devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring grandmother, passed away on September 21, 2025 at the age of 66. For over 44 years, she was the anchor of her family, navigating the world with her husband, Curtis, an Air Force veteran, on military assignments for over three decades.

Born in Highland Park on April 26, 1959 to Saul and Evelyn Ettinger, Carole enjoyed adventure. Her life was defined by a spirit of resilience and adaptability, traits that served her well as she created a warm and loving home for her family through multiple military assignments across the globe. Whether stationed in Germany or multiple stateside bases, she turned every house into a home filled with laughter and love.

Though she was a dedicated Air Force spouse, Carole was an extraordinary woman in her own right. She worked as a legal secretary and managed several stores including “The Celtic Knot” in Germany. She volunteered everywhere, serving in various roles in Spouses Clubs e.g., Costume Designer for Scott AFB, IL productions of “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Old Time Radio Show”; established a weekly Deployed Airmen’s Dinner at Rhein-Main Air Base, GE; and volunteered with multiple bases’ Family Support Centers; and, she served on the investigation board looking into lead contamination at Offutt AFB, NE. She was the impetus behind Belleville Illinois’ Christkindlmarkt, tirelessly working every aspect to deliver a lasting central hub for the Christmas season. One of Carole’s passions was quilting. She belonged to the Hearts ‘n’ Hands Quilting Guild attending multiple retreats and quilt shows each year. She won many ribbons and awards for her quilts – most recently as a finalist in the 2024 National Quilt Museum competition. Carole enjoyed travel, visiting 23 different countries. Special highlights included trips to Paris for her 50th birthday, to Egypt, and an Island-hopping Greek Isles cruise. After settling in Ohio, she joined the Welcomers Club of Northern Cincinnati. More than anything, she cherished her family. Her greatest joy was found in her role as a mother to her four children and as "Grandma" to her eight granddaughters, whom she loved dearly.

Carole will be remembered for kindness, strength, infectious humor, competitive nature, decorating style, joyous annual Christmas Brunch and the deep love she shared with all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the quilts she made; the stories and traditions she created; and, in the enduring bonds of the family she nurtured.

She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Curtis; her children, Christina (Ryan) Meder, Jack (Tamara), Carl (Amber), and Craig; her eight treasured granddaughters, Rachel, Laura, Emma, Leah, Bridget, Madi, Athena and Hailey; and her sister Cherilynn (Chris) Foster. Predeceased by brother Max Ettinger.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 2nd from 4:00-7:00pm at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, OH 45040. A funeral service will take place on Friday, October 3rd at 11:00am with a visitation one hour prior all at Mueller Funeral Home. Interment will be held privately in Lakeside Cemetery, Port Huron, Michigan.

Carole appreciated flowers and they will be welcome. If you prefer a donation please consider Hospice of Cincinnati.