Carol E. Lonergan

Carol Ellinger Lonergan, 91 of Toms River and formerly Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully February 8, 2026. Love. The greatest lesson Mom taught her 5 children. Every single person deserves to be so loved.

Known as Cal in her younger adulthood and lovingly nicknamed Gug in her Grandmother years. Mother to five, grandmother to 10, and great grandmother to 6, Mom unconditionally loved each and every one of her kids no matter how far away we were.

Carol raised us with her fierce independence and incredible determination. But mostly love and kindness! She taught us all the value of good manners, honesty, integrity, forgiveness, and "if something bothers you enough, you will do something about it".

Mom was unforgettable by all who were blessed to have her as a friend. Whether the struggling young man working at the gas station, the sweet divorced Mom of two young children at the grocery store, or the entire staff at her doctor's office, Mom never forgot that a small gesture like candy or a birthday celebration left a lasting impression.

She formed lifelong friendships with the incredible Parkedge Road neighbors in Pittsburgh that she treasured her entire life.

Carol ran the office for US Congressman Doug Walgren for nearly 20 years. She was the nurturing role model to all her young interns and employees in her career as an administrative assistant.

Her generosity was extraordinary. No milestone was left unnoticed.

A heart shaped cupcake on your breakfast plate, a shamrock tee shirt to make our St Pats day luckier, or a sweet piece of artwork or craft that we created as a child and completely forgot about, but she did not.

She was a woman of many casserole recipes (Is that a Pittsburgh thing?) Most of which we can make with our eyes closed.

Her witty sarcasm and relatable personality forged an unbreakable connection to her adult grandchildren. She was hip and connected to all the savvy technologies of today's social medias and that contributed to her amazingness! We are all so lucky to be loved by her!

Every person on the planet should be so fiercely loved. TYSC for guiding you to heaven. MMM

Carol is survived by her children

Linda (Steve), Michael (Kerri), Timothy (Chris) Amy (Kurt) and Colleen (Brian). She is also survived by grandchildren Marymichael (Pat), Stephen (Rachel), Hannah, Ben, Ronny (Madi), Meghan, Molly, Matthew, Addie, and Gi-Gi and six great grandchildren Jenna, Rilynn, Kash, Nunzio, Lincoln, and Francis.

Family will receive relatives and friends Saturday February 14, 2026 from 9-11am at The Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals 809 NW Central Avenue Seaside Park. A mass of Christian burial will follow immediately after at St. Catharine's Church Seaside Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Carol, to The Little Sisters of the Poor.