BUFFY CAFRITZ

CAFRITZ BUFFY CAFRITZ Buffy Cafritz, surrounded by her loving family, died from complications of pneumonia on May 4, 2021 at Sibley Hospital. She is survived by her devoted son, Sandy Wilkes (Helen) who was adopted by her adoring husband of 55 years, William Cafritz. She is also survived by her devoted granddaughters, Elizabeth Singh (Dhruv), Courtney Wilkes and Stephanie Wilkes and great-granddaughter, Emilia. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Bill, and daughter, Pamela Anne Cafritz. Buffy Cafritz was born and grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut. Her parents were Mary and Stephen Boffa. Called "Boff" in boarding school at Rosemary Hall (now Choate-Rosemary), the nickname evolved into "Buffy." She graduated from Colby Junior College and was the youngest of four children, William, Wilhelmina ("Winnie") and Janet, who was her best friend along with Ann Jordan. Her first marriage brought her to Washington, DC, and when that marriage ended, she decided to stay. Two years later, she met her soulmate and great love, Bill, and their marriage and life together was an inspiration for many. One couldn't really know Buffy Cafritz without understanding the depth of her Catholic faith. It was that faith that informed how she lived each day, how kindly she treated people from all walks of life and how "present" and often consoling she was to all who sought her counsel and reassurance. That same faith propelled her into a lifetime of good works, unselfish action and deep engagement in the civic and cultural life of her adopted hometown. She served as a director, advisor, or trustee of a host of organizations and institutions. She was particularly devoted to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where she was a trustee and, later, an Honorary Life Trustee; the James Madison Council of the Library of Congress; the Trustees Council of The National Gallery of Art and the board of directors of the National Institutes of Health Foundation. When part of an organization, she was famously "all in" with deep engagement in its mission and work and with a personal commitment of time and energy. She often cited Emerson's powerful insight, "Nothing worthwhile is accomplished in life without enthusiasm." That enthusiasm encompassed her active roles at Sasha Bruce Youthworks, the French-American Cultural Foundation, the White House Historical Association, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Ford's Theatre. She eschewed being identified as a "philanthropist," because she was always one to roll up her sleeves and do the hard work. Buffy Cafritz's was a life well-lived with honor and integrity. She celebrated the many successes of her family members and friends more than her own and seemed genuinely surprised when it was brought to her attention that she was loved and admired for her unmatched kindness, generosity, loyalty, indomitable spirit and zest for life. Funeral and interment services are private. The family suggests that donations in her honor be made to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and mailed to FNIH, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, North Bethesda 20852 or by visiting fnih.org.Funeral and interment services are private. The family suggests that donations in her honor be made to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and mailed to FNIH, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, North Bethesda 20852 or by visiting fnih.org.