Obituary of Dorothy V. Bjorkholm

Dorothy Virginia (Gustafson) Bjorkholm, 94,of Hultquist Place, formerly of 533 Weeks Street, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in the Lutheran Retirement & Rehabilitation Center following a brief illness.

She was born March 27, 1924 in Jamestown, the eldest daughter of Swedish immigrants Warner E. and Hilma Brage Gustafson.

Dorothy graduated in the class of 1942 from Jamestown High School. After graduation she worked as a bookkeeper and switchboard operator at Marlin Rockwell Corporation.

Dorothy married William I. Bjorkholm June 7, 1947. She devoted her life to being a loving and nurturing wife and mother, always putting her family ahead of herself.

Dorothy was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she was involved in missionary and preschool groups. She was a member of Thule Vasa Order of America, Viking Ingjald Lodge #65, and Rod and Gun Club Auxiliary. Dorothy carried out in her home traditions of her first language.

In earlier years, Dorothy was quite the athlete. She was an avid tennis player and roller and ice-skater. She also enjoyed golfing and bowling with her husband in their retirement years. Together they loved dancing and music. She also enjoyed travelling with their friends.

An accomplished bridge player, she looked forward to weekly get togethers with her bridge clubs.

Memories of family vacations to the beach are very special for the family. Trips to visit her granddaughters and great-grandchildren were the highlights of her later years.

Dorothy will best be remembered for how she lived a Christian life. She lead by example, being the quiet strength of the family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, on December 18, 2015; and a sister, Delores (and the late Robert) Erickson of Wethersfield, CT.

Surviving are two daughters, Cynthia (Bruce) Lawson of Chichester, NH and Karen (the late Manuel) Bjorkholm-Leeper of Jamestown; two granddaughters, Erika (Tom) Frick of Fredericksburg, VA and Amanda (Tony) Lombardi of Merrimack, NH; and six great-grandchildren, Jakob, Kalina, and Gwyneth Frick and Mackenzie, Annabelle, and Callen Lombardi.

Also surviving is a sister, Bernice Costello of Williamsville, NY; nieces, Mary (Ken) Barone and Lynn (Joel) Manke; and nephews, Stephen (Kathy) Erickson, James (Denise) Costello, and Craig (Debra) Erickson.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 22nd at Lake View Cemetery. The Rev. Alan W. Anderson will officiate.

Friends will be received from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 904 W. 3rd St., Jamestown, NY 14701; or Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997.