Carol Rippner's Obituary
Carol Mitnick Rippner passed away on May 2, 2023 at the age of 86 surrounded by her family. She was born September 15, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio to Lilian and Leon Mitnick. She attended Wellesley College and graduated from Western Reserve University after meeting the love of her life, Louis. They began their lives together in Cleveland, Ohio, where they had three children, Laurie, Cindy, and Billy. In 1972 they moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, and started the family furniture business that still proudly prevails in its original location today.
Carol was elegant, worldly, and cared deeply about the world around her. As anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Carol would tell you, she was clever and quick-witted and utterly full of life: she could regale you on her latest Turkish TV drama or the best shows to see on Broadway and the West End. During their 63 years together, Carol and Lou traveled the world and shared in many memories and experiences. Social and sophisticated, Carol always had the answer: from acting as senior editor for her granddaughter's doctoral dissertation to advising on the most appropriate drink to order on a first date.
Carol was passionate about the arts, politics, and most of all, her family. As the ultimate matriarch who loved her family fiercely, she never let a moment pass without expressing her love, and she was adamant she be present for every graduation, award, wedding, and sporting event. She continued the traditions she and Lou started decades ago, and in 2022, she convened the family for the 46th year in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. She was full of life until her very last day, dancing and celebrating her grandson’s marriage in early April 2023 and continuing her buying duties for the family business by attending High Point Furniture Market only two weeks before she passed.
Carol leaves behind her greatest legacy which is her family. She is survived by her daughters Laurie Milani (Richard) and Cindy Kurtz (Brad), son William "Billy" (Janie), her nine grandchildren Elise Milani, Jenna Milani, Alex Milani (Megan), Josh Kurtz (Nichole), Allison Kurtz, Mallory Rippner, Blakely Rippner, her great-grandson Benjamin Kurtz, and her sister Nancy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jacobson Family Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services, 21300 Ruth & Baron Coleman Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33428, or online by clicking the following link: Donate Here.
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