It is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has been such an important part of all our lives. Our mom Josephine Louise was born in 1933 near Cameron, TX to Amos and Mary Doskocil.
Josephine, who also went by Josey and Jo grew up on the family farm outside of Cameron, TX along with her sisters Dorothy and Bernice and brothers Leonard and Amos Jr. There were many aunts, uncles and cousins that lived in the surrounding community as well. They were all a very close knit family that worked hard growing mostly cotton and corn. Even though it wasn’t an easy life for her and the family, Josephine loved to have fun and could light up any room with her wonderful stories, smile and laughter. She would love humming a tune, and could break out into a Jitterbug, Swing, the Twist, or the Stroll dance at any time in her youth.
After graduating from Cameron High School where she was junior class queen and band sweetheart, Josephine moved to Fort Worth in 1951 and began working for Southwestern Bell in accounting. She absolutely loved Fort Worth, her work, and the group of girls she lived with and all their adventures. Jo recounted those good times on many occasions over the years.
Josephine first met Charles in March 1954 in a gift shop in the same building where they both worked. They enjoyed riding around the lake, going to movies, and lounges to listen to music and dance. Sunday afternoon they would go to Forest Park and the Zoo.
Josephine and Charles married in May 1959, and soon made their home in Amarillo for 62 years. Jo continued with Southwestern Bell for a number of years, and there they raised their wonderful sons, Steve and Gary. Jo was an incredible mom to the boys and attended every single track meet, baseball, football and basketball game for each, truly never missing a game. Her breakfasts were world famous to the boys’ friends on many weekends. Actually, any of her meals were the best, especially at holiday time! Jo was the most loving and caring mother a kid could ever imagine. She was also the same with Victor Rojo, our beloved cocker spaniel of many years.
Jo and Charley loved to travel and ventured to over 50 cities across Europe, Asia, and Central & South America. Even though Jo too loved art and paintings she would say “her” artwork were her drapes and lamps and all the flowers in the backyard. Her roses, caladiums, clematis, tulips and other flowers made for one of the most beautiful and peaceful yards in town and hummingbirds, a variety of dove, and songbirds thought so too.
Jo was a fixture of the Women’s Auxiliary to the Panhandle Geological Society in Amarillo since the 1960’s and served as President a couple of times. There she made many lifelong friends. Also, she and Charley had the privilege of having the absolute best neighbors in the world and lifelong friends from Kileen Dr. The family cannot express our gratitude enough to their wonderful friends.
Jo was a proud and absolute quintessential “Grandma” to her five grandkids Hannah, Reagan, Hayden, Garren and Brandon. On multiple trips every year to Lakeway TX and Plano then Prosper TX she relished seeing them in soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, football, dance, drill team and school events. When in Amarillo, she loved the grandkids taking her to movies, the play Texas, and to lunch or dinner or for ice cream. They loved to hear her stories of growing up as a child, raising Steve and Gary and sharing her life lessons. She was always involved giving advice, spreading her love and making them feel special. Josephine was instrumental in growing each of their talents and personalities with her calm gentle demeanor.
Jo was the kindest, most nurturing person, strong-willed, dedicated wife and Mom that one could imagine - an absolute equal backbone of the family. She was so proud of the family she had and would do anything for any of her boys and Charley at a moment’s notice. Jo and Charles loved each other so very much and even renewed their vows with Monsignor Tash.
Lastly Jo was always impeccably dressed and Always a Lady full of class and elegance. But at the same time we are quite sure she is humming a tune and breaking out into The Twist while smiling and laughing in Heaven today.
Jo is survived by Steve Hassenfratz and his wife Traci of Prosper and their children Brandon of Dallas, Hayden of Prosper, and Hannah Amen and her husband Luke of Norman, OK. Also, by Gary Hassenfratz and his wife Kathleen and their children Reagan and Garren of Lakeway, TX. She is also survived by her sister Bernice Williams of Prosper, and nieces and nephew.
A funeral service will be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow, 8520 Main Street, Frisco, Texas, on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Father Tony O’Donovan. Interment follows at Ridgeview West Memorial Park, 7800 Sanctuary Drive, Frisco, Texas.
Special Thanks to UTSW Hematology/MDS Oncology & Apheresis, and to Tribute Senior Living in Prosper.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Thomas Catholic Church in Amarillo, TX the parish, at www.amarillo.church, then St. Thomas the Apostle information/“Giving to the Parish”/Memorial Donations.
Also, memorial contributions may be made to UT Southwestern Medical Center, P.O. Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888 or online at https://engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now to support the Simmons Cancer Center.