Dorothy A. Tondera

Dorothy A. (Cichocki) Tondera, 96, of Cortland, NY, and formerly of Buffalo, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2020, at the Cortland Park Rehab and Nursing Center, Cortland, NY.

Mrs. Tondera was born in Depew, NY, on January 31, 1924, the daughter of the late Louis and Adele Slomski Cichocki.  Prior to moving to the Cortland area in 2008, she was a communicant of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church and a former school teacher at St. Casimir’s School.  She was active in her church as a Eucharistic Minister and Lay Reader.  She was a past president of St. Casimir’s Parent Association and, along with her husband, Matthew, worked with the CYO children.  She was a recipient of the St. Joseph’s Worker Award and a member of Autumnwood Sr. Center.  She was the aunt of Sister Jo-Anne Grabowski, O.S.F.

She is survived by her children, Betty Lou (Dennis) Carter of McDonough, NY, and Mark (Wendy) Tondera of NC.  She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Matthew (Erica), Adam (Kelly Fox), and Charles (Jenn) Carter, and Bradley and Benjamin (Theresa) Tondera; six great-grandchildren with one on the way; and a brother, Louis Cichocki of Buffalo.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Matthew Tondera, in 1985; and siblings, Richard Cichocki and Anne Grabowski.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, graveside services at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Buffalo, NY, will be private.  A memorial service will be held at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church at a later date.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Tondera may be directed to Sisters of St. Francis of Stella Niagara, Retirement Fund, 4221 Lower River Road, Stella Niagara, NY 14144.  To leave a personal message for the family, please visit www.klsharpfuneralhome.com.