Doris Tokarz

Doris Lillian Tokarz (Sikora), 93, died peacefully in the presence of family on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Litchfield Woods in Torrington, Connecticut after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Daniel A. Tokarz.

Doris was born May 7, 1932 in Torrington, to Paul and Helen (Rotar) Sikora, and was a lifelong resident, save for winters with her husband by the shore in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Doris was especially close with and valued time with family. She had five siblings, four of whom preceded her in death: Lorriane Pellegren, Marion Yonkaitis, William Sikora and Virginia Jobin. She leaves behind her youngest sister, Barbara Westner of Torrington and three children: daughters Dara Tokarz of Maryland, Melanie Tokarz and partner David Horvath of Torrington, and son Braden Tokarz and wife Cheryl Bartolucci of Winsted, along with cherished grandchildren: Christopher and wife Megan, Evan and wife Courtney, Chelsea, and Victoria and husband Dmitri, and three great-grandchildren: Caden, Arabella and Silas, and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Doris attended Torrington schools and was proud of obtaining her G.E.D. as an adult after having to halt her education prematurely to work at the Torrington Company needle shop to help support her family. She was a homemaker for many years before rejoining the work force at Seitz Corporation and Torin Corp., then as an administrative assistant for MLS at the Litchfield County Board of Realtors. She was a communicant of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Doris was a friendly and welcoming presence in others’ lives, always greeting everyone with an enthusiastic smile, including unexpected or last-minute guests. She loved playing cards and knitting and crocheting, frequently making afghans of many types and colors. Doris and Dan enjoyed the beach and she loved line dancing. She spent many hours going to watch her grandchildren play sports and games and for decades hosted the tradition of Thursday night suppers for her children, grandchildren and other loved ones, always inviting everyone to have a second helping, followed by dessert and games of Farkle, dominoes or Nine-Five.

Her children wish to extend a special thanks to the staff at Havencare at Litchfield Woods for their kindness and caring in the last year of her life, and to caretaker Robbie Jensen and hairdresser Nanette Deane for the many hours of care, laughter and joy they brought to her.

There will be a funeral at St. Peter’s Cemetery Mausoleum on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.