Carol Booth Ponticelli

Carolyn passed away Tues, Mar 17, 2015 at Los Robles Hospital Coronary Care Unit with her dedicated family by her side. May the angels welcome her into paradise.

Carolyn was born in Inglewood, CA. Her mother died when Carol was less than a year old. Soon after, she lost her father and was placed in an orphanage for 11 years. She was later fostered until 18, living in Santa Monica. There, she met a third-year college student named Bill Ponticelli, working at Douglas Aircraft during the summer break. Bill was acutely aware of the earlier misfortunes of Carolyn’s life and became her protector, date and confidant.

One of their favorite “get away” places they frequented was long walks on the nearby beach. Here, they proclaimed their everlasting love for each other and mapped out future plans to include marriage, Bill finishing college and the economics of their commitment. The struggle and ‘sometimes craziness’ of their lifestyle bonded Carolyn and Bill into an eternal love of 57 years.

Carolyn presented Bill with twin boys, Bill and Bob, on their first anniversary. It was a hectic time with Bill practice-teaching for his college degree but Carolyn was the “cement” that held the family together in all endeavors. Several years later, the family welcomed a daughter, Lynn.

Bill’s teaching took him to Thousand Oaks, where they purchased a new home in 1963. The Conejo Valley lifestyle was memorable, filled with the happiness of neighbors, friends and community activities. Carolyn also became Room Mother for many of Bill’s students. The youngsters loved her and looked forward to her visits.

A growing family meant a variety of activities that Carolyn participated in…baseball for Bill and Bob, softball for daughter, Lynn, Conejo Valley Days, PTA, Homeowners Association and many charitable events that led to a life-long commitment to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to battle childhood cancer.

Although lacking in childhood parentage and family life, Carolyn was a ‘model’ wife, mother, friend and neighbor. She was a magnet, drawing people to her wherever she went.

Her illnesses started taking a toll, but Carolyn did not diminish her philanthropic work or her volunteer work at Bill’s school. Diabetes, Lupus and Parkinson’s disease racked her body, sending her to doctors and hospitals continuously. Relatives, neighbors and friends didn’t know the extent or seriousness of her illnesses because Carolyn always protected them, preferring to endure her challenges privately.

There were memorable, good times that thankfully leave us with gratitude and joy. Carol loved Las Vegas. She was a great blackjack (21) player; any winnings went to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Hawaii presented Bill, Carol and family with relaxation and enjoyment. Favorite trips were to Maui, Kauai and Waikiki. Bill and Carol met Elvis Presley on Kauai when he was making the movie, Blue Hawaii, at the hotel they were staying in. It was their anniversary and Elvis sent them a bottle of champagne in celebration.

Bill retired in 1993 to spend more time taking care of Carolyn but she chased him back to school to substitute teach - and he LOVED it! Bill loved the students and the faculty and administration. He enjoyed teaching the children of some of his former students. Carolyn and Bill thank principals, Joanne Yoos, Tim Carpenter and Lou Lichtl for their understanding when Bill was tired and worried about his dear Carolyn and not feeling “one hundred percent.”

Together, Bill and Carolyn lived a love affair that lasted almost 60 years. Miraculously, and with the help of doctors Scardino, Daneshgar and Sonbol, Carolyn struggled on to watch her children grow to adulthood and present her with grandchildren who she loved and was very generous with. Carolyn’s favorite word was “grandma.” She gave console and advice and was always available with a kind word.

No family ever had a more devoted wife and mother then Carolyn. Sickness, immobility and distance did not diminish her love and support for husband, Bill; children, Bill, Bob and Lynn; grandchildren, Christopher, Bill III, Diane, Crystal and Lahna; and great grandchildren, Jon, Bryce, Addyson and Bailee.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tues, Mar 24th at 2pm at Calvary Community Church: 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village. Interment will follow at 3pm at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park: 5600 Lindero Canyon Rd, Westlake Village. Following the burial, all are invited back to Calvary for a reception, catered by DJ Caterers.

Donations may be made in Carol’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donatenow. Condolences may be offered through Carol’s personal web page located on www.PierceBrothersValleyOaks.com