Paula Jo Jones Zalar
Carmichaels
Paula Jo Jones Zalar, 74, of Carmichaels, peacefully passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026. She was born February 19, 1952, in Franklin Township, to the late Carl Dewey and Josephine Jankowski Osborne.
On April 27, 2002, she married her husband, Jim Zalar, who survives.
Paula was a lifelong resident of Carmichaels. She was a graduate of Carmichaels Area High School, Class of 1970. She then continued her education at California State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education.
Paula went on to become a kindergarten and first-grade teacher in the Carmichaels Area School District for 30 years, until her retirement in 2014. Teaching wasn’t just a career for Paula, it was a calling, one she truly loved; teaching defined who she was. She leaves behind generations of students whose lives were touched by both her care and devotion.
Paula was a member of St. Matthias Parish at St. Hugh in Carmichaels. She belonged to the Pennsylvania State Education Association. She also served on the board of directors at Laurel Point Cemetery.
Although teaching was Paula’s passion, her family was her truest love. Along with her husband, she leaves behind her son, James E. Jones (Lisa) of Carmichaels; daughter, Melissa M. Dlugos (Jim) of Windham, Maine; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Zalar, Andrew Zalar, Jackson Zalar, Cara Mai Jones, Matthew J. Dlugos, and Sophie E. Dlugos; brothers, Gary C. Osborne (Ruth), Dennis W. Osborne (Deborah), and C. James Osborne, all of Carmichaels; her sister, Linda Oros (Bruce) of Washington; and several nieces, nephews, great- nieces, and one great- nephew.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Arthur B. Jones, II; and stepson, Michael E. Zalar.
Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 23, in YOSKOVICH FUNERAL HOME, INC., Carmichaels. Prayers of Transfer will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 24, in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. in St. Matthias Parish at St. Hugh, 408 Route 88, Carmichaels, with the Rev. Thomas Lewandowski as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made, in Paula’s memory, to the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA, P.O. Box 1584, Washington, PA 15301. This organization aligns perfectly with Paula’s commitment to teaching children to read.