Carol Ann Zawislak

Carol Ann (Tonneson) Zawislak, 76, of Mountainside, New Jersey, passed away on November 29, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She faced her final days with the same courage and humor that characterized her life, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength. Born and raised in Union, New Jersey, Carol was the cherished daughter of the late Trygve and Eleanor Tonneson. 

   She graduated from The Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art in 1970 and pursued a graphic design career at Worrall Community Newspaper and The Suburban News. An entrepreneur, Carol also ran a freelance art studio, CATED Associates.

   Outside of her career, Carol was a synchronized swimmer, reaching both state and national championships, a life guard with the American Red Cross, and a swim teacher at “The Whale” at the YMCA in Union. Carol found joy and peace through her hobbies of art and gardening. She always looked forward to the Philadelphia Flower Show.

   Carol was undeniably the heart of her family and friends. She was a loving wife, a dedicated mother, and a caring grandmother who was fully devoted to her family. She created a warm, nurturing, and loving home in Mountainside. A true inspiration to all who knew her, she approached life with humor and an unwavering dedication to those she loved most.

   She is survived by her husband, Theodore Zawislak; her children, Jacob [Lazara] Zawislak, Joshua [Lillian] Zawislak, and Jamie [Brian] Jordan; her grandchildren, Daniella, Isabella, Sydney, Xavier, Porter, Hannah, and Owen; and her sister, Joan Kollmar.

   A remembrance and celebration service for Carol will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, located at 582 Springfield Ave, Westfield, NJ 07090. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grounds for Sculpture https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/join-support/donate/ in her memory to support her love for art and the outdoors or to the Mountainside Rescue Squad https://www.ems22.com/ "