Marie Bjorklund
Marie Bjorklund died peacefully on March 21, 2017 surrounded by her children, grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephews and many friends in her final moments.
Marie was born in South Philadelphia and proudly, lovingly, raised by Jerry and Mary Maglio. She moved to Clifton Heights early in her life and resided in Delaware County until she went to her final resting place. Marie attended Upper Darby High School. She spent her working life in multiple restaurants, bars, and banquet facilities. She was a long time waitress, banquet host, and even cooked when needed. She started out as a young teenager in Jerry and Mary’s hoagie shop in Manoa, working under her father/mother Jerry and Mary learning the trade and truly what customer service is. She treated everyone as her family, greeted them with a smile and made sure they were part of her life, family. Her last job was the late Pop’s Barrel Inn in Upper Darby where she spent 25 years serving, befriending, and enjoying many people of Upper Darby. She was a pillar in the community and always had time for anyone. Marie worked hard but her accomplishments were not always known but done silently without accolades as she was humble and kind.
Marie was a lifelong parishioner of St. Cyril’s of Alexandria church in East Lansdowne. Proudly she ensured her children experienced Catholic School education while serving the community. She served many areas to promote the church, community, and school. She was found often leading home and school association activities, fundraisers, school drives, and her last focus was fundraising to save the parish.
Marie enjoyed the beaches of Sea Isle and Wildwood and her greatest memories were with her children and spending weeks at a time every summer with them on the beaches and surrounded by her extended family. Everyone was always welcome to share in her moments.
Her focus was always her children first, her family was everything to her. She was a proud, loving mother who gave without limits. She experienced fulfillment and pride knowing her children were happy, successful, and surrounded by friends, love, and memories. Her children she said were her greatest successes in her life. A greater joy of her life was found when she had grandchildren. She could always be found at their games, activities, and by their sides to ensure they knew they were loved. She was a pillar on Lamport Road for over 40 years knowing all the neighbors and ensuring there was coffee time on the patios and watching over all the kids of the street. Staying in touch with her neighbors until her last days. Her home was always a place of love, food, and comfort. Marie would open her doors and heart to ensure someone would feel loved, important, and special. She lived there happily until 2001 when she returned to Clifton Heights to take care of her mother Mary Maglio.
Marie ended her life as she lived it, battling a disease but not letting it define her while she experienced and gave love to her children and grandchildren. Ensuring they were loved and felt safe, special. She truly will be missed by many.
Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation, Friday at 10am and to her Funeral Mass at 11am in St. Kevin Church, 200 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA 19064. Interment SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.
In her true spirit of love and children, please send all donations to St. Jude Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. www. stjude.org