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Caroline S. (Buczek) Tofil, 92, of Dunkirk, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center in Dunkirk. Born in Franklin, PA on July 23, 1933, she was the wife of the late Lorence Tofil, and daughter of the late Leo and Katherine (Sustak) Buczek.
Caroline graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1952. While her primary vocation was that of a devoted homemaker, she also worked as a lunch monitor at the former St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, now known as Northern Chautauqua Catholic School. In addition, she was employed by M. Wiles, and as a teenager worked in the kitchen at Brooks Memorial Hospital.
A faithful Catholic throughout her life, Caroline was a longtime parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, formerly Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Church. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and was an active member of the Ladies Guild. Caroline was also a member of the Kosciuszko Club. Caroline enjoyed staying active in her community and was especially fond of playing bingo, volunteering at many local bingo events over the years. She also loved playing cards and attending card parties, with Pinochle and Cribbage among her favorite games.
One of Caroline's greatest joys was spending time with her granddaughter, Michele. The two shared many special shopping trips together and enjoyed attending musicals at Shea's in Buffalo. A devoted sports fan, Caroline faithfully followed the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and Cleveland Indians.
She will be remembered for her caring and generous nature, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Despite the challenges of blindness, Caroline remained remarkably independent and self-sufficient. Inspiring those around her with her determination, and resilience.
Caroline's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Carol Ann Ahlstrom, the Lane family, Darlene Burchett, Hugh Graves, and the nursing staff on 1B at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab for their exceptional care of Caroline.
Survivors include her son, Michael (Kim) Tofil, grandchildren, Michele (Steve Chojnicki) Szalkowski, Adam (Shayna Jewell) Tofil, Brett and Hunter Tofil; siblings Ted (Linda) Buczek and Mary Jane Strawser. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Caroline is preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Lorence Tofil, who passed away on April 25, 2010. She is also preceded by her sister, Bernice (Stanley) Komada and her brother, Victor Buczek.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours TODAY, Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church; 328 Washington Ave, Dunkirk, NY.
Entombment will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery Assumption Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Caroline to either the Lakeshore Humane Society; 431 E Chestnut St, Dunkirk, NY 14048 or Wings Flight of Hope; 4000 California Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127.