Doris L. Dufek

Doris L. Dufek, a beloved longtime resident of Hillside, New Jersey, for ninety years, passed away peacefully at age 93 on March 19, 2026, at Independence Manor, Raritan Township, NJ. Born on February 1, 1933, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Doris lived a life characterized by dedication to education, community involvement, and the joy of exploration.

Doris built a distinguished career as an educator, proudly serving as a teacher at Walter O. Krumbiesel School in Hillside, NJ, and AP Morris in Hillside, NJ. Her excellence in teaching was recognized in 1987 when she received the New Jersey Public School Teacher of the Year award, a testament to her passion for nurturing young minds and her commitment to education. Doris furthered her knowledge through higher education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kean University in elementary education and then earning a master’s degree in 1957 from Seton Hall University. She had certifications in education for elementary, reading and learning disability. She was also a reading specialist.

Beyond the classroom, Doris was deeply engaged in her community. She was an active member of the Hillside Senior Citizens Club and generously donated her time to the Hillside Park, reflecting her spirit of service and care for her local surroundings. She was past treasure of the Hillside education Association. She was also a lifetime member of the NJ Education Association. She was also past president of Alpha Delta Kappa. She was on the Union County Education Council. Was a member of the Hillside Women’s Club. Her summers were joyfully spent traveling to remarkable destinations around the world, including Japan, China, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland. Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, and Canada, broadening her horizons and enriching her life with diverse cultural experiences.

Those close to Doris cherished her companionship and warmth. She shared her time with her longtime friend Boyd Beattie, whom she supported and enjoyed spending time with.

Doris is survived by her devoted niece Donna Dufek Durling of Pittstown, NJ and her life partner John C. Chigounis; nephews Frank Dufek and his wife Susan of Milford, NJ, Joan Dufek Bolen and her husband Brian of Mansfield Center, CT, Robert Dufek of Warren, NJ; and niece Margie Bolomey of Raritan, NJ, and her husband Bob. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Dufek of Bedminster, NJ. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Dufek, Sr. and Mary Hornick.

They, along with many friends and community members, will remember her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and lively curiosity. Doris truly had a gift with words, words that could melt a problem, calm a fear, build self-esteem, take tears and turn them into laughter or take a simple conversation and make it into a humorous situation. Her special gift of “sharing and caring” has touched everyone that knew her. Her dedication, devotion, care and love for teaching had been a inspiration for all in the educational field.

A funeral service honoring Doris’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, located at 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, NJ.

Doris L. Dufek leaves behind a lasting impression on all whose lives she touched, embodying a life well lived with grace, dedication, and an enduring spirit of generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Memorial contributions in Doris's name may be made to Union County Meals on Wheels, 1025 Pennsylvania Avenue, Linden, NJ 07036.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.