Ishpeming, MI - Carol J. Waters, age 88, longtime Deer Lake location resident, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Michigan Veterans Home D.J. Jacobetti in Marquette where she had resided for the past five years. She was under the loving care of her family and staff at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans at the time of her passing.

Carol was born in Ishpeming on December 25, 1934, a daughter of the late June (Silas) and Val Pontti. She grew up in Ishpeming and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School Class of 1952, then attended Business School in Milwaukee Wisconsin. She went to work for Proctor and Gamble in Milwaukee after finishing school. Carol married the late Robert C. (Bob) Waters from Ishpeming and they lived in Milwaukee until returning to Ishpeming in 1956 with their first child Sally and had resided here since. Carol worked mainly as a teachers aide in the Ishpeming School District, but had also spent summers in the office at the Marquette Co Road Commission. Carol served the State of Michigan as a Foster Parent to numerous children throughout her lifetime.

Carol was a lifelong member of the Bethany Lutheran Church where she had been active and served in many capacities at the church. Carol had an adventuresome spirit. She enjoyed snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, camping, swimming, canoeing, berry picking and time spent at camp on the Dead River Basin, where Carol was known as "Captain" of the pontoon boat. Carol and Bob cherished their travels together, Sunday rides and vacations.

She is survived by a daughter, Sally (Tim) Grant of Negaunee, three sons, Paul (Lisa) Waters of Key West, FL, John Waters of Ishpeming, Kurt Waters of Miami, FL, sisters, Connie (Errol) Moffatt of Lutz, FL, Lynn (Fred) Whaley of Portland, OR and Sue Foster of Camdenton, MO, brothers, Michael (Diana) Pontti of Fairfax, VA; Greg (Eileen) Pontti of Waialua, HI; Robert (Carol) Selfridge of Zephyr Hills, FL, sister-in-law Marilyn Pontti of Marquette, grandchildren, Allen Beauchamp, Carlo Balzarini, Bren Balzarini, Michael Waters, Michelle Cook, Sarah Vickstrom, Lindsay Waters, Matthew Waters, Nathan Waters, Tara Waters, Jayson Overocker, Tunya Lundholm and Eric Martin, great grandchildren, Victoria, Kennedy, Robert, Tyler, Hannah, Silas, Iyla, Eliza, Devin, Destiny, Shaala and Erica, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob of 63 years, a brother John Pontti and former brother-in-law Mel Ruohonen.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. Steven Solberg to officiate. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until the time of service. A light luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

The services will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/715Mather/

That will be followed by a celebration of her life to be held at the camp on the Dead River, a place she truly loved. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The family wishes to say a special and well deserved "Thank You" to the staff at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans, especially the 2nd floor and Memory Care for their compassionate care of Carol for the past 5 years.

Carol's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.