Caroline S. Tofil

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.

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.