CARLA M. ZEZULA
March 8, 1959 – December 6, 2025
Woman of the mountains, sea, and sky – Carla Marie Zezula lived many lifetimes, and still not long enough for the friends and family who were forever changed by her kindness.
Born to James and Mary Zezula, Carla’s midwest childhood with her brother Jim (Sport) included ski jumping and sailing on Lake Minnetonka, and Sunday dinners at her Grandmother’s farm.
College brought Carla west, where she completed a BS in Oceanography at Humboldt State University and began a long summer love affair with rock climbing and Tuolumne Meadows. She scaled “The Zodiac” route of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and is noted for the first rock climbing ascents of “SS Minnow,” “One Size Fits All,” and “Beaver Tail.”
Carla wore many hats in her pre- and post-university adventures: fisheries biologist on the Bering Sea, English teacher in Japan, aquaculture farmer in San Diego, water sampler at the Salton Sea, and food server at the lodge in Tuolumne Meadows.
Carla returned to school at San Francisco State University to complete her teaching credential and served as a Science teacher at South Tahoe High School for over 22 years. During her tenure, Carla inspired students to develop an appreciation for the earth and served as a role model, encouraging young women to pursue science. She was an active union member, volunteering her time to ensure equity for teachers.
In addition to her full-time teaching career, Carla established her business “All Ducts in a Row,” completing home inspections and energy-efficiency compliance verifications, work consistent with her respect for the earth.
Carla worked hard and played harder. She was an expert telemark/freestyle skier, mountain biker, and sailor, and enjoyed many road trips and explorations around the world.
She always made time to share her handywoman skills, providing support to friends in need of household repairs and with random tech requests. Carla was devoted to her animal family, Shelby and Jules. Her home was a gathering place for all, with good coffee, delicious meals, great music, and meaningful conversation. Carla welcomed everyone she met with her shining blue eyes and warm smile.
Carla was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Mary, and her brother Jim. She is survived by her beloved nephew Joseph and leaves a deep community of dear family and friends.
Carla was diagnosed with Stage IV (NSCLC) Lung Cancer in July 2025 and fought hard through every step of her treatment. Throughout it, she continued to shine her exceptional light of compassion, generosity and strength. Carla was comforted throughout her life and her illness by the love and support of many friends and family members.
Carla passed on Saturday, December 6, 2025, outside in the hospital courtyard, listening to Joni Mitchell. She was surrounded by her dear friends and the love of all who knew her. The sun was setting. The birds were flying overhead. It was peaceful. And, Carla was at the center of this beauty.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Please email cz.gathering@mail.com to RSVP.
