Carol Jean Poniske

Carol Jean Poniske, of West Chester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday,

October 17, 2023, just shy of her 97th birthday. She was born in

Belleville, Illinois on November 4, 1926, to the late Frank and Cecelia

Hilpert.

Carol was the beloved wife to the love of her life, the late Gerald

“Jerry” J. Poniske, married for 72 years and soulmates since "study club"

in high school. She was the loving mother of J. David (the late Kathy)

Poniske, Jewel (Bert) Tieben, Clare (Michael) Austin, and Amy Poniske, and

the proud grandmother of Jade (Robert Vite), Jared (Katie), Paige, Richard

and Robert and her great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Harlow Vite.

In addition to her immediate family, Carol is survived by numerous nieces,

nephews, and cousins in addition to her many dear friends.

Carol was the President of the Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary in

Belleville, IL, and was selected Queen of Belleville as a young mother.

The family relocated to Cincinnati in 1961 where Carol's focus was her

family, friends and community. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 10

years, as well as St. John Neumann Catholic Parish serving as a

pre-marriage counselor. Carol had many hobbies including needlework and

quilting. She was an avid reader, gardener, and adventurous cook. She

enjoyed entertaining in her home and participated in numerous Bridge Clubs,

Book Clubs, and Bowling League where she met many of her dearest friends.

Her friends were an important part of life especially in her later years.

The couple's love of dancing led them to learn and enjoy every new dance

fad from jitterbug to disco to country line dancing. Carol was quick to

always grab Jerry and head to the dance floor!

Travel was a shared adventure and Carol was fantastically blessed to see

many parts of the world with her husband, Jerry. Whether it was a golf

weekend or an exotic trip abroad, it was most important to be together.

Carol's energy, even in her 90's, was inspirational. She touched lives far

beyond her own awareness. Her easy smile, quick "one-liners" and genuine

cheerful laughter brought her joyful spirit to many a social gathering and

"Happy Hour"!

The family wants to express their sincere appreciation for the

many wonderfully dedicated caregivers who have assisted in Carol's journey

this past year. We have been truly blessed to have found you in our lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 AM Monday, October 30, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, Ohio 45069, where friends and family will be received 10 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions can be directed to

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church-West Chester, Bereavement Ministry,

Companions on the Journey, 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., West Chester Twp.,

OH 45069.