Carol E. Buffum

Carol Elizabeth Buffum, 71, of Johnson City, passed peacefully at home on February 7, 2022, surrounded by all of those she loved most. Carol was predeceased by her parents, William and Mary (Reagan) Allen; sisters Patricia Babcock and Nancy Moon; and brother Thomas Allen. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, James Buffum; mother-in-law Mary Buffum; children, Rebecca (Christopher) Coleman, Stephen (Karen) Rafferty, Jennifer (John) Delanoy, Noelle Buffum (Keith Tomazic), Jamie Buffum (Candice Buffum); her beloved grandchildren; Andrew, Alexander, Katie, Noah, Aviana, Allison, and Adelyn; brothers William Allen and Timothy Allen; sisters MaryAnn Poray, Cynthia Ahrens, Cathrine Mayo; and many close friends including Karen Green, Diane Graver, Kathi Clark, Marlene Hergan, Linda and Rob Simmons. Carol was born on January 23, 1951 in Canisteo, New York. After graduating from Canisteo High School in 1969, she went on to Alfred State College, where she graduated in 1971 with a degree in Business. She finished her education at the C.S. Wilson School of Respiratory Therapy 1974. She practiced as a well-respected respiratory therapist at UHS Hospitals for 39 years, and was adored by her colleagues. Carol was able to find great joy in life's simplest treasures. She could nearly always be found with a coffee in hand; walking a local trail, swinging in a swing/hammock, or sitting outside and admiring nature. She enjoyed creating witty, hilarious poems to the tune of a favorite song, to mark special occasions for friends and family. She adored animals, especially her cats. She was an avid reader of Stephen King. Breakfast at Apple Hills or Our Country Hearts was a must with friends and family. She was ever fond of baking, and passed this love on to her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite pastimes was taking long car rides to admire the changing color of the leaves in fall, or the beautiful house lights during the holidays. She reveled in all things Christmas; decorating her home, sending cards, and creating lasting memories for loved ones. However, Carol's greatest joy was spending time with her family. Her warm smile, infectious laugh, witty humor, and boundless love will be deeply missed. Both Carol and her family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses who provided outstanding care; including Dr. Ali Marhaba, Dr. Ronald Harris, Dr. Jerry Farrell, Dr. Dhruv Agneshwar, Dr. Allison Roy, Dr. Douglas Bunn, Dr. John Penfield, Michelle Herman, RN, and all of the nurses at UHS Oncology and UHS Home Care. A special thank you to primary care physician and family friend Dr. Michael Federico; we are eternally grateful for all that you have done. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Carol's honor to Willow's Wings, Broome County Humane Society, or Speak Animal Hospital. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday at 2pm at St. James Church, 147 Main St, Johnson City. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-7pm at the Barber Memorial Home, Inc., 428 Main St, Johnson City.
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