Carol Snyder Bafile, Class of 1960
Carol L. Bafile, Age 86, of Pleasanton, CA, passed away Dec. 11, 2024. She was born Nov. 17, 1938, in Canton, OH, a daughter of the late Harold E. and Lois Mae (McKinney) Snyder. Carol grew up on the McKinney Homestead farm in East Sparta. She loved growing up on the farm, following her dad everywhere, running around barefoot, and playing baseball with the boys. Carol was a 1956 graduate of Sandy Valley High School, where she pursued her interest in symphonic and marching band, focusing on the flute and piano, and being a majorette. She was a 1960 graduate of Muskingum College where she received a Bachelor's Degree in History and Teaching, had minors in Biology and Physical Education, and was a member of the Kona Club sorority. Following college Carol pursued a career teaching History at Glenwood High School in Canton.
She was a member of the East Sparta Christian Church and married Elio Bafile, of Waynesburg, OH, on Aug. 10, 1963. Their early years of marriage saw travel around the US due to Elio's service in the US Air Force as a Captain, living in Ohio, New York, and New Mexico. Later in their marriage the couple lived in Louisville and North Canton, OH, Fort Wayne, IN, and Bradenton, FL. When Carol's daughters were young, she became a substitute teacher for junior high and high school-age students, and later worked at St. Louis Elementary School in Louisville, OH as school librarian and media center administrator. She loved reading to the youngest students and teaching library skills to the upperclassmen. Carol retired from her education career in 1984 when the family moved to Fort Wayne, IN.
Preceded in death by her husband, Elio Bafile, on Aug. 1, 2011, and a sister and brother-in-law, Jane (Synder) and Raymond Sengleitner. Survived by two daughters, Danielle Bafile, and Joelle (Edward Chapman) Bafile Chapman; two grandchildren: Owen Andrew Chapman, and Niav Helene Chapman; two nephews, Robert (Karen) Bergert, and Larry (Debbie) Bergert. Carol was a devoted educator, wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved keeping a home for her family, reading, teaching, traveling, and animals, especially dogs. Her interests were varied and many, including floral/plant arranging, shopping, watching sports (especially Notre Dame football), keeping up with current events, dining out, appreciating art and music, observing nature, and most especially supporting and loving her family members. Of her character, one remembers Carol as steadfast in faith, loyal, honest, loving, creative, self-sacrificing, smart, interesting, and supportive of those around her. You could always count on Carol!