Josephine Jacques Caron

Josephine Jacques Caron, born December 21, 1927 in Selinsgrove, Penn., died July 14, 2019, in Baylor Hospital of Dallas on Vitas Hospice. A former Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force (active and reserve, 1952-1962), she had a long career as a nurse, both in the military and with the Visiting Nurse Association, from which she retired in 1991.

Jo was a graduate of Selinsgrove High School and The Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia (1952). She also completed a course in Charismatically Oriented Bible Studies and Christian Discipleship Training at Christ For the Nations Institute in 1977.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Caron; her parents, Joseph and Adah Jacques; and her niece, Betsy Driscoll. She is survived by her sisters, Jacqueline Driscoll and Jeanne Jacques; her cousin, Charles Gaugler; her nieces and nephew, as well as great nieces and nephews; her cousins; her dearest friend Ruby Galbraith, and the many other friends who love her; and her beloved cat, Happy.

Jo loved having parties at her home and getting dressed up to go out to a fancy function (and all functions were fancy functions to Jo). She was also an avid swimmer and would miss a meal rather than an opportunity to swim laps. Her skills in the pool won her a Bronze Medal in the Senior Olympics in Dallas.

Jo embodied the power of positive thinking and was able to find the best perspective in any circumstance. She was also a skilled problem-solver whom friends consulted frequently with their most vexing issues. Jo always seemed to find a solution, or, at least, provide comfort.

Her dry Pennsylvania sense of humor stayed with her until the end, joking with her hospice nurses and keeping the mood light. Jo was also bold and never hesitated to say what was on her mind, but she kept a peaceful spirit, spending many hours in her glider in her cozy East Dallas apartment, gazing peacefully into her courtyard flower garden (which had been lovingly redone by friends).

Jo was a caring, thoughtful and generous friend, and seized any opportunity she could to lavish her friends with gifts, such as a new flag for a friend’s first Independence Day in a new home.

Most of all, Jo loved the Lord and was his devoted disciple. Her gratitude for his blessings and love stayed with her until the very end.

Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a memorial donation to VNA Meals on Wheels or First Baptist Dallas.