Josephine A. Chowanec

Josephine A (Bjork) Chowanec of Columbia, CT passed away on Monday, November 25, 2013 at Douglas Manor. Josephine was born on May 13, 1920 at Hartford Hospital, in Hartford, CT to Adolph and Daffodil Bjork. In 1941 she married Thomas Edward Chowanec. Both Josephine and Thomas contributed to WWII as aerial spotters on Robinson Hill on the Columbia/Hebron town line. In 1947 with the help of Josephine, Thomas founded the T. E. Chowanec Well Drilling company which was very successful and has evolved into a third generation company today known as Chowanec Well Drilling, LLC. Josie was one of the founding members of the Columbia Fire Department Women's Auxiliary, and a founding member of the Columbia Senior Center with her brother in law Harry Chowanec. Josie donated a lot of her time to hosting political parties, contributing to senior center events, and will be remembered by her friends and family for her love of life and people. Josephine is predeceased by her husband Thomas Sr., brothers Russell Bjork, Edward Bjork and sister Faith Bjork Macht. She is survived by her eldest son Thomas, Jr. of Tonopah, Arizona; Cal Chowanec and his wife Kathy of Lebanon, CT.; grandson Ike Chowanec and his wife Stacy of Windham, CT; granddaughters Tammy Chowanec Klingler and her husband David, of Athol, Idaho and Mary Chowanec of Tucson, Arizona. She also has three great granddaughters Nicolette and Keriann Chowanec of Windham, CT and Gabrielle Christanson of Tucson, Arizona. She also very much loved all of her extended family of in laws, nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their deepest thanks to everyone at Douglas Manor. This became her last home, where everyone treated her like family. She truly loved you all. A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service and celebration of Josie's life on Saturday December 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Columbia Congregational Church in Columbia, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josie's name to the Columbia Fire Department, PO Box 26, Columbia, CT 06237. Arrangements were through the Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.