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HYDE PARK, N.Y. – Blanche Jokonis VanDemark, a longtime resident of Hyde Park, died Thursday, July 7. She was 94.
Born Feb. 2, 1922, in Carbondale, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Sophie Shajul Docalovich.
She did a lot of volunteer work for numerous organizations, including Meals on Wheels of Hyde Park, The American Cancer Society and Regina Coeli Church and School. In her early years, she enjoyed modeling for Rose Mary Clooney and the McGuire Sisters. After raising a family, she worked at IBM, Poughkeepsie for 19 years until her retirement.
She is survived by her two daughters, Kathy P. Jokonis and Mary Ann D'Ambrosio, both of Hyde Park; grandson, Anthony D'Ambrosio of Hyde Park; brother, Edward Docalovich of Pennsylvania; nephew, Richard Smith of Phoenix; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Walter Jokonis; sisters, Helen Smith Carlin and Sophie Laskowski; brothers, Alfred and John Docalovich; and nephew, Roger J. Smith.
In keeping with her wishes, there are no calling hours and cremation will take place at the convenience of the family. A private memorial service will be conducted at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Route 9, Hyde Park.
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