Remembering Barbara Jozwiak (Bokland)

On Saturday, September 10th, we were all saddened to lose the Matriarch of our business, Barbara Jozwiak (Bokland). Her influence, and memories left an impression on everyone she touched. Though Barbara lived in Florida for more than 25 years, there are still those in the Capital District that will remember and reminisce about her! We will all miss you…..


Jozwiak, Barbara Bokland LEESBURGH, Fla. Born December 4, 1925 in Eskiltuna, Sweden, Barbara Jozwiak, died peacefully in Florida on September 10, 2011 with her family by her side under the care of hospice. Barbara was married to George Bokland in 1947 and moved to America in 1948, making their roots in Schenectady. Together they started Bokland Photography in 1956. After 55 years, the family business continues today as Bokland Custom Visuals, through her son, Richard Bokland and his stepson, Brian Corbett and daughter-in law, Denise Corbett. Barbara was the heart of customer service with her commitment, enthusiasm and warmth. She enjoyed producing slide presentations, film processing and prints for her many customers usually under tight deadlines. Barbara has three children, Richard Bokland (with wife Donna) of Saratoga Springs, Lynn Zido (with husband Lewis) of Leesburg, Fla., and Jeanette Bokland (with her partner Linda Rutzebeck) of Orlando, Fla. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Benn Vacarelli, Nicole Ryf, Sarah Barnat, Dustin Beckwith and Madison Sayre; and four great-grandchildren. In 1968 Barbara remarried Edward Jozwiak and in 1983 they retired to Florida. Barbara enjoyed creating art, travel, playing cards and games with friends. Barbara was a participant in choir, knitting for service men and Meals on Wheels. Those whose lives she touched will remember her resilience, wisdom and fierce independence, all woven with a pleasant sense of humor. Many of the reasons, that she is forever a shining star. A celebration of her life will be held in Mount Dora, Fla., on September 24 at 2 p.m. Locally we invite you to visit www.bokland.com/barbara/index.html. Please let us know, if you are interested in getting together with friends at a future date, to remember Barbara and reminisce about the good old days.

We would love to hear from all of those who remember Barbara, for now please email Rick Bokland. We are putting together a Facebook page that will be available shortly to make the process easier. Also, we have been trying to figure a simple, informal way for friends and all of the film / photography people in the Capital District to get together and remember the good old days….. We look forward to your kind words.

To visit the Barbara Jozwiak Bokland Memorial Facebook page click here.
Click here to email Rick Bokland.