Obituary of Joan M. Platko

PLATKO, Joan Marie (Erickson) passed away on Saturday, March 12th 2016 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in New London, CT. Joan was born on October 10th 1931 in Elmira, NY to the late Margaret (Vandermark) Erickson and William Erickson. After growing up in Elmira she lived across the country including California, Connecticut, and New Hampshire before settling in Stonington, CT. She married Stanley Platko on June 12, 1954, and they lived happily together for more than 61 years. Joan devoted her life to raising and caring for her family and those she loved. She loved to play the piano, listen to polkas, share stories, and send countless letters and cards to her family and friends. She enjoyed the years she worked in department stores. Joan was loved by her family and all who knew her. She is survived by her two children, daughter Mary Ann (Platko) Scully and her husband George, son Steven Paul Platko and his partner Julia Isner; grandchildren, Stephanie Scully Wheeler and her husband Michael, Christopher George Scully and his wife Magdalena; great-grandchildren Carson Cole and Madelyn Mae Wheeler. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her sister Lorraine Donald, her brother Bill Erickson and her brother Gary Erickson. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert, Larry, Ralph, and Rolly Erickson. There will be a graveside service Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 11am in Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery, Elmira Heights, NY. Arrangements by Walter J. Kent Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Center for Hospice Care of Southeast CT, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360.