Obituary of Carolyn Z. Farnsworth
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Carolyn Z. Farnsworth, aged 92, on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Carolyn departed peacefully at Sunrise Assisted Living in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
Born in Lowell, MA to the late B. Edward and Ruth (Collier) Zinn, she was raised in Winchester, MA. Carolyn graduated from Winchester High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Simmons University in Boston.
Her journey took her to Seattle, Washington where she taught English, and then to Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. She moved to Scotch Plains and was a resident there for over five decades. Carolyn further dedicated her life to education teaching Home Economics at Columbia Middle School in Berkeley Heights, where she was employed for more than 30 years until her retirement.
Carolyn's devotion to her community was evident through her active membership at Diamond Hill Methodist Church in Berkeley Heights, and later at New Providence United Methodist Church.
A woman of diverse interests and talents, Carolyn found joy in arts and crafts, gardening, and spending time with family & friends. She always had an ‘open door’ policy at her home and welcomed everyone.
Her passions included sailing (a pursuit that allowed her to embrace her love for the water) and cherished the opportunities to explore the world through travel. These travels took her to amazing places including most of the US, Africa, China, the Amazon, Jerusalem, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Mexico, Central America, islands in French Polynesia & the Caribbean, as well as several other countries (including Italy, Germany, Greece, to name just a few).
Carolyn's legacy is cherished and continued by her family. She was predeceased by her son, Mark Farnsworth (2014), and her sister, Marge MacDonald (2023).
Her memory is lovingly honored by her children: Joyce Cornelia and husband Scott, David and wife Denise, and Donald and wife Vickie; her grandchildren: Jessica Kruss (Paul), Nick Farnsworth (Nicole), Brandon Farnsworth, and Austin Farnsworth; her great-grandchildren: Aiden, Eliott, and Blair; her sister, Janet Stangroom. Carolyn is further survived by her nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung with a service to follow at 4 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carolyn’s memory to your favorite Charity.
