Kathryn (Ward) Bjork

Kathryn (Ward) Bjork, age 86, of Atkinson, NH and a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, passed away following a long illness on May 27, 2023. 

Kathryn was the beloved wife of the late Paul H. Bjork, devoted mother of Karin Manchaca of Salisbury and Stephen Bjork of Atkinson, NH, loving “Munga” of Jesse Manchaca, Cheyenne, Blake, Isaiah and Kari Bjork, cherished daughter of the late Alfred and Ida (Griffin) Ward, dear sister of the late Sheila Chayes and the late Alfred Ward.  Kathryn is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

Kathryn grew up in Newton and held great affection for that town throughout her life.

Although she had no interest in pursuing it as a career, she was chosen to be a model for a United States Air Force recruiting campaign and modeled for a short time for the Polaroid Camera Company.  Perhaps her favorite job of her young adult life was working for the Museum of Science in Cambridge, MA.

She wedded Paul Bjork, the love of her life, in January 1966 and enjoyed almost 55 years of loving marriage before his passing in December 2020.  Kathryn and Paul loved each other with all their hearts and were also best friends.

Kathryn and Paul meshed perfectly to create a safe, loving and supportive home for their two children.  She often said that one of the best decisions they made was to move to Wilmington, MA in 1975 to raise her family.  She took great care in transforming their new house into a home.  Kathryn volunteered at Woburn Street Elementary School when her children attended, volunteered with the Wilmington Figure Skating program and was always doing things to benefit her children.

In 1979, Kathryn went back into the workforce, accepting a position at Merrimack College.  She moved in the mid-1980’s to a position in the corporate offices of Lechmere, where she continued to work until the company was purchased and dissolved in the mid-1990’s.

Kathryn and Paul enjoyed boating for several years, keeping their boat at Gloucester Marina, until they decided that it was taking too much time away from golf.  They joined Andover Country Club and were members for many years, making many lifelong friends.  They enjoyed traveling together often, because they couldn’t get enough of each other.

Her daughter Karin, and her grandson Jesse, lived with Kathryn and Paul for a short time following Karin’s move back from Texas.  While Kathryn loved all of her grandchildren equally, this experience created a special bond between Jesse and his “Munga” that they both cherished.

A voracious reader, Kathryn’s breadth of knowledge on nearly any subject – from science to literature and everything in between - was astonishing.  To be sure, no one wanted to be on the opposing team in Trivial Pursuit.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Saturday, June 10th from 10:30-11:45 a.m. immediately followed by a Graveside Service with Military Honors in the Wildwood Cemetery, 233 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 12:00 noon.

Memorial donations in Kathryn’s name may be made to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA  01844. www.nicholsfuneralhome.com