Obituary of Charlene Ruth Bjorn

Bangor - Charlene Ruth Bjorn, 87, passed peacefully, Sunday July2, with the love and support of family and friends surrounding her. She was born on December 12, 1935 in Old Town to Miriam and Clement J. Violette. Charlene graduated from Old Town High School and made herself a progressively successful career path in book keeping and business management. Much of her working life was spent at Eastern Maine Medical Center in their purchasing department and later as office manager for EMMC Family Practice  Center. In addition to raising her family and supporting her adult children, she remained committed to family and friends throughout her life. Known fondly as the“Social Director,” Charlene loved planning and hosting, cooking, gardening, renovating and decorating. She had a special gift of creating comfort and beauty for those around her. When less physically able to plan and create, she invested her heart and energy in being a strong emotional support for all.

In addition to her parents, Charlene was predeceased by her brother Ernest, sisters Ethel Grant and Carolyn Duplisses; her sons, Alan Dewitt, James Dewitt and Robert Bjorn. Her most recent loss was that of her husband of  43 years, John C. Bjorn, MD. Theirs was an amazing partnership and she struggled in her last several years without him. She is survived by daughter Cathy (Paul) Kowalski of Allen TX, Rosalind Bjorn of Reading MA, Pamela Peck of Frankfort, Preston Bjorn of Veazie, Jeanna Bjorn of Hampden, Laurie Bjorn of Kennebunk; grandchildren, Michael (Sarah) Kowalski of Frisco,TX, Eimi and May Dewitt of Japan, Liza (Jon) Foley of Malden, MA, Brittany Cole and Riley Cole of Reading MA, Ryan (Lexi) Bjorn of Newton, MA, Robert (Amanda) Peck of Glenburn, Jack (Liz) Bjorn and Clark Bjorn of Scarborough along with 8 precious great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Toni, Charlene’s Visiting Angel and dear friend. We are thankful to Jillian, to all the staff from Winterberry Heights, to Katie and to all the support and guidance from Gentiva Home Care and Hospice.

Family and friends may visit 5 – 7 PM Friday, July 2, 2023 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Home, 69 State St, Brewer.  A graveside service is planned for a later date. Donations in Charlene’s memory may be made at memorials@stjude.org or at woundedwarriorproject.org. Messages and memories of Charlene may be shared with her family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.