Carol Ann Zalasky

July 7, 1942 - July 29, 2023

Carol Ann (James) Zalasky passed away at Eskaton Care Center in Sacramento on Saturday, July 29. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 9 and Harry A. Nauman & Son Memorial Chapel at 4041 Freeport Blvd, in Sacramento.

Carol was born and raised in Coalinga, California, the oldest of four daughters of Jack and Lavonna James. As a girl she loved spending time on the ranch with her father, riding horses, assisting with cattle, and just hanging around the shop. She graduated from Coalinga High School in 1960.

During her senior year in high school, Carol met her husband-to-be, Vince, who had moved to the small central valley town from Kenvil, New Jersey to attend Coalinga College and play football. The couple eventually moved to Sacramento where Vince played football at Sacramento State. They were married in Carson City on August 14, 1962.

After moving to New Jersey for a short time, Carol and Vince eventually settled in Sacramento to raise their children. David was born in 1963, Daniel was born and passed as an infant in 1964, Vikki was born in 1965, Patrick was born in 1970 and Andrew was born in 1973.

Carol graduated from beauty school in the years after high school, but her true passion was serving children. In addition to raising her four children, she provided in-home daycare for nearly two decades to dozens of children. The “baby sitting kids” were always made to feel a part of the family, regularly piling into the old Fiat station wagon to head out to a ball game or another event one of her children were involved in.

As her children married, Carol welcomed her in-laws to the family with open arms and delighted in her grandchildren. Her eight grandsons were her pride and joy and she was never afraid to share what they were up to with anyone who was within earshot. She was patient and kind with all of the boys, and always flashed a proud smile when they called her “Grim Gram”.

In November of 2018, Carol suffered a catastrophic stroke while at home. Quick intervention from Vince and the paramedics saved her life, but she was left unable to speak, walk or move her right side. Despite these incredible limitations, she was a ray of sunshine at Eskaton Care Center, communicating by blowing kisses and handing out fist bumps. She made fast friends with the care team and was always excited to receive visitors, especially Vince, her children, her son- and daughters-in-law, and her grandchildren.

Carol is survived by her husband, Vince; her four children, David (Julie), Vikki Warner (Matthew), Patrick (Traci) and Andrew (Emily); her sister, Jackie Askew (Don); and her eight grandsons, Joseph, Andrew, Alexander, Jesse, Brady, William, Jackson and Tate. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lavonna; her son, Daniel; and her sisters, Pat and Nadine.