Bernice M. "Bunny" Tolfree

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away with her family at her side on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the age of 93. Bunny was born in Merrill on December 4, 1930, to the late Joseph Corbat and Alma (Tighe) Corbat, and was a 1949 graduate of Sacred Heart High School. She met Lyle Tolfree at a dance in Merrill and the couple married on August 22, 1953. Lyle preceded her in death on November 15, 2023. She worked for Merrill Tool and Die and then for Dow Corning. She retired from Dow Corning in 1992 after 15 years of service. She was a member of St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Church. Bunny loved to have frequent garage sales. She also enjoyed playing cards & bingo and bowled in many leagues. She was a caring person and took care of elderly people who were in need. 

Bunny is survived by her children, John (Shay) Tolfree, Mary (Dennis) Estrada, Mark (Gina) Tolfree, Cindy (Jeff) Eastman, Lyle (Heather) Tolfree II; fourteen grandchildren; and seventeen great grandchildren; one surviving brother, Richard (Yvonne) Corbat; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Joe Corbat, Elaine Irish, Monica Bluemer, and Erma Rohde.

A Funeral Liturgy for Bunny will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 445 S. Midland St, Merrill, MI 48637, with a graveside service to follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp S.J. will officiate the service. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E Saginaw St, Merrill, MI 48637, and from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church, 445 S Midland St, Merrill, MI 48637. Those wishing to make an expression of their sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.