In Memory of Carole (O'Brien) Yntema

Obituary

Carole (O'Brien) Yntema, 91, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, at the Masonic Care Community where she resided for the past 4 years. Carole was born on May 8, 1934 in Utica, NY to the late Garrett O'Brien and Rhea (Moore) O'Brien. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes school and graduated in 1952 from St Francis de Sales high school. On April 28,1956 she married her high school sweetheart, Jack Yntema. They enjoyed 65 years in a happy and loving marriage until Jack's passing in 2021.

Carole was a loving stay at home mother to her three daughters. She volunteered with the St. Elizabeth's Hospital Guild, Home Bureau and Garden Club. Helping the less fortunate was always a priority. Her activities included delivering Thanksgiving baskets and buying gifts for those experiencing difficult times at Christmas. She was the first woman elected to the Parish Council at St John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford. Carole had many interests including reading, crafts, travel and seeking treasures at garage sales.

Carole and Jack loved the home they built on Tibbitts Rd in New Hartford. She filled it with love and antiques. They owned Hilltop Antiques for many years while also having booths in multiple shops in Madison, NY.

When her youngest went away to college, Carole began her career. She was proudly named the first Director of Senior Services for the Town of New Hartford, where the programs flourished offering comprehensive services for local seniors. She worked tirelessly with local politicians to advocate and enhance the lives of the senior community.

In 1994 Carole and Jack purchased their little slice of heaven in Englewood Beach Villas, Englewood, Florida. Carole was very involved in the community and loved their Florida lifestyle. She was an active communicant at St. Raphael Catholic Church. They gained many friends and were involved in social activities and went on many cruises. Carole and Jack enjoyed traveling, including a trip to England and Ireland where she researched her Irish roots. St Patrick's Day was always celebrated with much gusto including green food and libations! Jack was known to sing “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” to his favorite Irish lass.   

Carole’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. There were many cocktail hours, dinners, trips and fun times spent together. At one time Carole said “If you ask us to do something with you, we will never say no." Carole took excellent care of Jack when his Parkinson’s disease progressed. The last few years she was the one that needed assistance as her Alzheimer’s symptoms worsened. She had good days and bad but was comforted by her family and the dedicated and caring staff on the Forestport unit of Masonic Home. These staff members were angels to Carole and her family, offering peace of mind when they couldn’t be there.

Surviving Carole are her three daughters; Linda (Bob) Vandewater, Joyce Ryan, and Mary Carole Griffin; four grandchildren; Kayla (Greg) Cocquyt, Dan Ryan, Abby (Jack) Griffin, and Naomi Griffin; as well as a niece and nephews Debbie, Billy and Gary in Florida. Carole was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Jack, and his parents Andy and Elizabeth Yntema, son in law Martin Griffin, close family friend Cynthia Ryan; and Carole's sister, Mary Louise (Bill) Yedkois, and their daughter Deanna.

Mom left this quote in her personal papers: “My three daughters and spouses and 4 grandchildren have made our lives happier than we could have ever imagined."

Carole’s family will have private services at their convenience with internment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Please consider an act of kindness or raising a glass in Carole’s memory.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.fwefh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.