Caroline M. Garcia

Caroline Garcia ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, Inc. on Mar. 17, 2026.Caroline Mary Garcia, 83, of Toms River, N.J., passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026.Born in Newark, N. J., Caroline spent her early years in Lincoln Park before settling in Toms River, where she built a vibrant and meaningful life. She was a proud graduate of Mt. St. Dominic Academy and went on to earn her Master's Degree from Newark State College, a testament to her lifelong dedication to education and learning.Caroline devoted her career to shaping young minds and supporting students. She began as a teacher at Christopher Columbus Middle School in Clifton and later served with distinction as the Head of Guidance Counselors at Clifton High School, Clifton.After moving to Toms River, Caroline became an active and cherished member of the Lake Ridge Community, where she formed many lasting friendships and contributed her time and energy to community life. She was also an enthusiastic fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants, rarely missing a game and always cheering on her teams with passion.Caroline was predeceased by her beloved husband, George Garcia. She is survived by her devoted brother, Joseph Mazzei, Jr., and his wife, Mary Anna; her loving nephew Joseph Mazzei, III and his wife Jennifer; and great-niece and nephew, Jessica Marie and Joseph Michael Mazzei. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who've had the privilege of knowing her.Family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a Catholic Prayer Service to be offered at 3:30 p.m. at Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove. Interment will be private. Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Caroline's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit at stjude.org/donate.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.