Carolyn J. Zatto

Carolyn J. Zatto, one who devoted her whole life to her family and friends, of Atlanta, GA, passed away suddenly April 8, 2007 with family by her side.  She was 71 years old. Carolyn lived a very full and colorful life.  She grew up in Drexel Hills, PA and Tenafly, NJ and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Hood College where she was a rifle marksman, and a member of the lacrosse and synchronized swimming teams.  She began a career in actuarial science where she met her beloved husband Joe.  She then worked as a mathematician for nuclear physicists at Brookhaven Laboratories.  She stopped working outside the home and dedicated herself to supporting her husband and raising her family of four children.  Not only did she give tirelessly to her family, she gave generously to her community.  She moved to Atlanta in 1971 where she was an avid gardener and a member of the Briarmoor Manor gardening club for many years.  Carolyn joined ALTA as a player and volunteer in 1977 where she made many life-long friends.  She currently served on the executive board as a volunteer for ALTA.  Carolyn continued to make opportunities for herself and accomplished high goals she set in her life.  At the age of 59, she returned to school and earned another bachelor's degree in computer science from Mercer University where she immensely enjoyed the young people in her classes.  She then began a job which she loved as a database manager for a publishing company.  Carolyn relished every aspect of her life.  She was a member of the Atlanta Athletic Club where she played tennis and rarely missed her weekly lesson and she enjoyed mind teasers, especially Sudoku puzzles.  Carolyn was also an achiever in all aspects of her life.  She ran several local road races including the Atlanta half-marathon in 1996 and continued to play tennis; she transcribed and edited several published books and speeches and most importantly, was the best wife, mother, grandmother and friend anyone could ever hope for.  There are no words to express how deeply she will be missed. With all of Carolyn's achievements, nothing embodies who she was more than her love of life and her giving spirit.  While she was busy furthering her education, volunteering, and working, she continued to be "the glue" for her family and friends.  It only took a short time being around Carolyn to know how truly special she was.  She embraced life wholeheartedly and she was an inspiration to us all.  People naturally wanted to be around her; she made her home a gathering place for her children and their friends.  She made friends so easily with her genuine interest in others and her approachable style; she was a joy and comfort to all who knew her.  She had a very happy and fulfilled life and never wasted a moment of time.  She encouraged others to appreciate all the good in life and to cherish each day.  Carolyn lived to the fullest and she loved to the fullest; this was her gift to her family and friends. She leaves behind her loving husband of 47 years, Joseph Zatto.  Their marriage was a genuine love story, lived out each and every day.  She also leaves behind a family who adores her; son, Christopher Zatto; daughter, Stacy Zatto; daughters and sons-in-law, Mindy Zatto and David Reid, Leslie and Bryan Gersack, and her cousin Virginia McCartney of Bogota, NJ.  She had eight grandchildren: Dayton, Cara, and Walker Gscheidle; Tyler, Justin, and Dylan Reid; and Grace and Ella Gersack. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Salvation Army, 1000 Center Pl NW, Norcross, GA 30093, 770-441-6200. The family will receive friends Wednesday April 11th from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at A.S. Turner & Sons.  A private interment will follow. On-line condolences can be expressed at  www.asturner.com.