Carmella “Carm” Louise Pigneri of Omaha, NE, formerly of Oakland, IA, was born on December 10, 1939 in Des Moines, IA to Peter F. and Louise (Abruzze) Crivaro. Carmella died on June 13, 2026 at the age of 86 years in Omaha, NE.

Carmella grew up in Des Moines with her brother, John, and graduated from Lincoln High School. Following high school, she attended Drake University and received her degree in Elementary Education. Carmella married Charles L. Pigneri on June 15, 1963 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Des Moines. While her husband attended medical school, she taught young students at an elementary school in Des Moines. After moving to Oakland, she continued working with children and served as a substitute teacher at the elementary school.

Carmella and Charles moved to Oakland in 1965, and this became their longtime home after Charles completed his residency in Dallas, TX and worked in a medical clinic in Farmers Branch, TX. She assisted Charles in the Oakland Medical Clinic as a secretary for several years while being a loving wife and a dedicated mother and homemaker. She and Charles moved to Omaha in 2024, and she resided there until her death.

Carmella was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avoca, IA, where she taught CCD for many years and was a Eucharistic minister. She was a strong advocate for ProLife and volunteered at Birthright and Mercy Hospital for several years. She was also an active volunteer within the Oakland community. She served on the Oakland School Board and was a participant in the Oakland Booster Club, Oakland Optimist Club, Oakland Aquatic Center Committee, and Bridge Club.

Carmella enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in sports, recitals, and school/church/community events. She was often seen cheering for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, Drake University Bulldogs, Riverside High School Bulldogs, and all the teams/schools her kids and grandkids played for. She also enjoyed cooking and baking with her family, especially around the holidays.

Preceding Carmella in death are her parents, Pete and Louise Crivaro, in-laws, Carmen and Philamena Pigneri, and brother, John Crivaro.

Carmella is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles L. Pigneri, son Charles Pigneri, daughter DeAnn Hays, daughter Kristin Barry, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation with the family will be on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM, at the Oakland Community Building. a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Avoca. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. Lunch with the family will be held at the Oakland Community Building following the interment at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association . Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family.