Janice H. Bjork

Janice Gail (Hardy) Bjork of Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband and family. Born on March 20, 1936, in Worcester, Janice was the cherished daughter of the late Charles B. Hardy and Phyllis A.{Koehler) Hardy.

Janice graduated from Bancroft School in 1954 and earned her degree from Elmira College in 1958, where she later served as Class Secretary from 2008 to 2017. On August 16, 1958, Janice married Karl N. Bjork, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned over six decades. Together, they raised a family that brought her immense joy and pride.

Janice was the devoted mother of four sons: Karl Andrew Bjork of Newport, RI, married to Carolyn; David C. Bjork of Concord, MA, married to Susan; the late Richard A. Bjork of Pittsburgh, PA; and William K. Bjork of Chicago, IL, married to Patti. She was a loving grandmother to eight grandchildren: Emily L. Bjork, Abigail K. Bjork, Hanna K. Bjork, Bryce D. Bjork, Chase C. Bjork, Lars B. Bjork, Summer G. Erbeldinger-Bjork, and Marissa R. Erbeldinger-Bjork. She is also survived by her brother, Richard B. Hardy of Sturbridge. MA, who was married to the late Sarah Hardy.

Janice's career was one of dedication and commitment, with her earliest work as a teacher of Science and Biology at West Boylston Jr.-Sr. High School from 1958 to 1960. She later served as a medical assistant to Dr. Robert Neuhardt from 1972 to 1976. Janice found her professional calling in administrative and trust management roles at law firms, including Cope & Wilson from 1976 to 1984 and Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple, P.C., where she worked as a Trust and Tax Administrator from 1984 until her retirement in 2002. Her exceptional service earned her the 1998 Women of Distinction Award.

Janice was deeply involved in her community and church. A lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Worcester since 1948, she served as Treasurer from 1989 to 2003 and was a dedicated member of the Sanctuary Renovation Committee in 2002. Her involvement extended to the FBC Salisbury Belles and contributions to the Church Directory. Janice was also active in the Junior League of Worcester and sang with the Junior League Singers.

Her passion for music led Janice to Sweet Adelines International, where she was a charter member of the Post Road Chapter and served as Recording Secretary. Janice was an engaged member of the Bria1Wood Continuing Care Community, serving on the Board of  Directors from 2009 to 2017, and actively contributing to the Health & Wellness Committee as a Corporator.

The thing that made her most happy is the legacy of a camp on Webster Lake. Built in the 1940's by her dad, it is now cherished every summer by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren - swimming, fishing, canoeing, water-skiing, evening games and family dinners. She passed the stewardship of the camp to a family trust to continue its enjoyment for the generations to come.

Janice leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment, and service. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, strength, and compassion. Her memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janice's name to the First Baptist Church of Worcester or to Sweet Adelines International, Post Road Chapter. Services will be held at the Briarwood Continuing Care Community, in the Loring Auditorium, December 23rd, 2024 at 2:00pm.