Birth date: Nov 25, 1961 Death date: Aug 27, 2022
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Caroline Marie Kuhfahl, 60 of Ashburn, Virginia. Caroline was surrounded by her beloved family and left this world peacefully on Saturday August 27, 2022, in Falls Church, Vi Read Obituary
Even though I was only in Caroline's orbit a few times at Kuhfahl family reunions and some birthday celebrations, it was quite obvious she was a kind and gentle person. It was with a heavy heart as I read her obituary, looked through all the wonderful photographs and videos of her life and watched her "Celebration of Life." What a great gift she was to the world and all who loved her. Rest in peace Caroline.
Dear Kuhfahl’s,
My family used to tell me that when it rains, that means God is crying for others who lost someone important to them. On that day I learned of Mrs. Kuhfal’s passing it poured, and the world lost a wonderful person, a mother, a wife, a role model, and more. She was a big influence in my life and many others.
My first-time meeting Mrs. Kuhfahl was in High school or maybe the summer before my Freshman year of high school. Kyle and I were friends through the Papson’s and we became better friends through time. She was in the Mcdonald's drive-thru and I insisted on giving her a hug. I am not sure why, but Kyle was a great friend and I wanted to make a good impression. Throughout my time hanging out with Kyle, I somehow became friends with the whole family along the way. I cherished the dynamic the whole family had, to me it was the staple of a good family or even an amazing team. Mrs. Kuhfahl was always very dedicated with such an infectious jaunty spirit; she was always enthralled in something interesting and didn’t mind sharing whatsoever. I remember a time when she was showing off her caterpillars and explaining the whole process to me of how they become butterflies. Her excitement was exhilarating and I know her passion rippled throughout her children causing them to excel in whatever they put their minds to.
Throughout my life the Kuhfahls have been there for me, in high school it was Kyle, when he went to college it was Justin, when Justin and Michelle lived together in Olympia, they were there for me. Mrs. Kuhfahl will forever be a role model to me. She raised 3 wonderful children with Mr. Kuhfahl, and those adults now have some of the kindest spirits I’ve seen.
Even though we were family, I met Caroline just a little less than 10 years ago. And though I can’t say that I knew her well, I can say without a doubt that she was the most non-judgmental person I have ever met. She always had a free spirit; always seemed to find the silver lining in things and she just seemed to take life as it came and was determined to make the best of it. It was almost impossible to mad about anything when she was around. Her positivity was absolutely infectious.
The world would be a much better place if people were more Caroline. And the world is a much lesser place without her in it. She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you and the kids Rob. Charlie & Yvonne
To all the family and friends who knew and loved Caroline:
I have known Caroline for over fifty years. I first met her and Catherine when they were both children. I knew their Dad Jim from IBM and through him met their Mom Rejane. Initially I ended up babysitting the girls a few times. There was an all day outing at a local amusement park. Later there were a couple of long weekends when Jim and Rejane traveled out of town for weekends,
while I held down the fort at their house with the kids and the dogs. There are many things I have fond recollections of. Caroline came and cat sat my kitty during a long business trip I took in the early 1980s. This was shortly after she completed college in Canada. I later took Caroline with me to adopt the first ferret she ever acquired. We attended each other's weddings, only a year apart. I visited her at home in Bowie after Justin and Kyle were first born, trying to be helpful, but not doing very well. There were local mall shopping expeditions, with Caroline toting the two boys, balancing strollers and kids, which was quite an alien experience for me.
We took frequent hikes on the C&O Canal and a couple all day hikes to Old Rag and Robertson mountains in Shenandoah. Over the years we also biked, skied, snowshoed and ran together. The races included 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and finally full 26 mile marathons. I tried unsuccessfully to convince Caroline she didn't need to run up and down the steps of the hotel where we stayed the night before her first marathon, that indeed 26 miles was plenty.
We attended concerts at Wolftrap and had many memorable dinners together over the years. We had outings to mark celebrations or just because. When my husband and I went out for a farewell dinner with Caroline and Bob in September of 2021, before they took off on their great cross country adventure, I knew I would not see them for a long time. I was so looking forward to reconnecting in person with Caroline after they got back to Virginia, but sadly, that was not to be.
Caroline was a unique and special friend, one whose time on earth was cut way too short. In addition to our friendship, I have her to thank for my friendships with both Marlene Tulga and Gloria Tebyanian. It is a special gift she in essence has left behind, by introducing us so many years ago. I am sad she is gone, but grateful for the wonderful times we had. Thanks, Caroline!
Caroline was such a sweet and gentle soul. We walked together in the neighborhood when we each had teens. We shared stories, laughed and supported each other through those years. Whenever I see a butterfly, I will remember her. Love and hugs to Bob, Justin, Kyle & Michelle.
In 2009, I moved to Virginia from my long-time home in Idaho. I would often tell Caroline about my hiking trips in Idaho. One day, Caroline invited me to hike with her and her friends in the Shenandoah mountains. We had a beautiful day of hiking and feasting on goodies. Caroline was the first person to invite me on a gathering after moving to Virginia. I will never forget her generosity and friendship, as I had no new friends from my move away from Idaho. Caroline was generous and kind. I will never forget her big heart! - Justine Wald
I met Caroline and Bob in Houston Texas at M D Anderson Hospital. I would see them walking the hall in the evenings One of those evenings we met. I learned she was also my next door neighbor on the floor. Just before she left I got to speak with her and learned she raised Monarch butterflies. We became friends as I too am a great lover of Nature. I was so shocked to hear of her passing as she was so energetic on those hall ways and seemed to have a great appetite! I will miss her friendship, kindness, and enthusiasm.
Caroline had the purest of hearts. She loved nature, butterflies, hiking, and of course, her family. I met Caroline when we worked together at Hutchinson Farms ES in the early 2000's. We never pushed our friendship to the next stage which I regret. What hikes we could have taken together! May you now be free of the pain you endured during your travels through cancer. Your smile & happy demeanor will be missed by all whose lives you touched.
Caroline was one of the loveliest people I know. She was the first person to welcome us in our Ashburn neighborhood. I have many great memories of Pampered Chef parties, Freecyle pickup runs and simple walks with her. She was the rare friend who truly listened and cared. I will miss her very much.
We met Caroline and Bob while hiking the Nicholson Hollow Trail. They were picnicking on a rock in the river. A chat and later met up on the trail and walked out to the car together. We became friends very easily. She gave me advice on gardening for butterflies and we talked about hiking. We chatted when she was in the hospital about the cancer and the chemo side effects. I talk to her when I see my butterflies in my gardens. She will forever be in my friend bank. May God bless and be with the family. Love and Prayers.
