Joan Bjorkgren, 88, passed peacefully early Monday evening (March 24, 2025) at her home on Jones Street, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on March 5, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Frank DeMartino and Jean (Weberlofski) DeMartino Scheele. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her beloved stepfather, August Scheele; her daughter and son-in-law, Sandi and Tim Cober; her grandson, Jake Cober and five siblings, Vivian Burke, Doris Quinones, Barbara Bianculley, Sonny Scheele and Louis Scheele.
Joan became a resident of Central Islip, NY in 1949 where she attended Central Islip High School. While residing there she was employed as a beautician for 24 years beginning at the Central Islip Psychiatric Center and retired in 1991 from the Kings Park Psychiatric Center in Kings Park, NY. She was also a former member of the Central Islip United Methodist Church and the Central Islip Baptist Church.
On May 2, 1959 she was married at the Islip Presbyterian Church to Fred Bjorkgren, who survives. They have resided at their home on Jones Street in the Village of North Hornell since 1991.
An active member of the First Baptist Church in Hornell, Joan was instrumental in beginning the ladies Bible studies, was a member of the Pulpit Committee and volunteered for church dinners. She would often reach out to neighbors and friends to join her for church services; and some eventually became members.
She also volunteered for Faith in Action, was a member of the Hornell YMCA and was an avid bowler. Joan was a wonderful cook, loved to shop and was very involved with her grandchildren. She and Fred especially enjoyed summer vacations at Emerald Isle, NC with their beloved Denny family.
Joan will be remembered most of all for being a very social and hospitable woman. No one was ever a stranger, she loved and accepted everyone as part of her family. Her home was always full of family and friends. She will be dearly missed by everyone her knew and loved her.
She is lovingly survived by her husband of nearly 66 years, Fred; two children, Randi (Curtis) Corkey of Almond, NY and Danny (Sara) Bjorkgren of North Hornell; nine grandchildren, Sandy, Danielle, Sarah and Joanie Bjorkgren, Charity Corkey, Rebekah (Ashton) McMahen, Cristina (Nick) Trouy, Sorina (Buddy) Crabtree and Timothy (Angela) Corkey; three great-grandchildren, Jacob and Caleb Ortiz, Olive Trouy and another, soon to arrive, great-grandchild, Oak Trouy; one sister, Maxine (George) Killman of Farmingville, NY; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are 1-3 P.M. SUNDAY (MARCH 30, 2025) at the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 28 Church St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place following calling hours at 3 P.M. SUNDAY, with Pastor John Cwynar officiating. Committal services and interment will be held MONDAY (MARCH 31, 2025) at the Howard Cemetery, Howard, NY.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either the First Baptist Church, 28 Church St., Hornell or to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Joan’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Joan are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
