The oldest of two children of William and Virginia Pitz, Carolyn was born in Cincinnati on August 19, 1942. A devoted grandmother and woman of faith, Carolyn had an unmatched talent for gathering people together. Her home doubled as party headquarters, with supplies stockpiled for any occasion, particularly those calling for an impressive array of Kentucky Derby millinery.
Her professional life included turns as a waitress and dental hygienist, but her true calling was service to her parish, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, where she notably coordinated the annual Christmas gift drive for boys at Bashor Children's Home.
Her favorite customer at the diner became her groom on July 4th, 1969. Together, they travelled the world, golfed, cheered on the Boilermakers, took grandchildren to the Fort Wayne Zoo, listened to jazz (which she wasn’t really into, it turns out), and befriended many at Paula’s and the Oyster Bar.
She is survived by her sister, Billie Lynn; her cousin, Michelle, and her family; her sister-in-law, Beverly, and her family; her children, Bernice Peppler, Anthony (Sania) Peppler, and Kylie (Eric) Peppler; her grandchildren Stacie (Kevin) Gass, Stephanie Wyse, Aidan, William, Sienna, Eli, Lena, and Samuel; and great- grandchildren Keaton, Addison, Randy Jr., Carson, Brody, Lydia, Cohen, Sawyer, and Norah.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her siblings-in-law, Arthur, Meyrle, Barbara, Sally, and Richard; and her grandsons, Ryan Kanning and Randy Wyse.
The service is at 11am on Saturday, August 30th, 2025, at Greenlawn Memorial Park Funeral Home with visitation from 9am to 11am. We invite participants to stay after for hors d'oeuvres and drinks in Carolyn’s honor.
Memorial contributions in honor of Carolyn may be made to support her great-grandson, Sawyer Wyse, and his medical expenses. Donations can be sent in care of Kylie Peppler.
