Josephine 'Jo' Deschenes

Josephine (Jo) M. Deschenes, 98, of Jaffrey passed away on October 4, 2021 in the comfort of her daughter’s home with her children by her side.

Josephine was born May 3, 1923 in Syracuse, NY. She was the 4th of 6 children of John Joseph and Marguerite (Egenhofer) Hughes. As the only daughter in the family, she was affectionally known as “Sis” to the Hughes family.

Josephine graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse and attended Cortland State Teachers College in Cortland NY.

She came to Jaffrey with two of her brothers and was employed at The Ark in Jaffrey Center. It was at the Ark that she met Leo Deschenes. They were married that year and made Jaffrey their home.

Josephine was a stay at home Mom raising their 4 children. When the time was right, she started a job driving a school bus for Saint Patrick’s School. As with everything in life she loved this job. In her last years at Jaffrey Rehabilitation Center, she had a little yellow school bus on her windowsill and loved telling visitors how she used to drive a school bus. She later worked at the Hillcrest Nursing Home where again she found great happiness in helping those in need. She then began working at New Hampshire Ball Bearing and loved learning about the bearings and their applications.

Josephine was an especially compassionate and caring soul. Always extending kindness to both friends and strangers. She loved the beauty and wonder of nature and shared that enthusiasm with those around her. That love was revealed in many of Josephine’s activities including flower gardening, walks in the woods, ice skating, blueberry picking, vacationing at the Hughes family camp in the Adirondacks, traveling with family and frequent climbs of Mt. Monadnock in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

In June of this year, she became the recipient of the Boston Post Cane in recognition as the oldest living person in Jaffrey.

Josephine was predeceased by her husband Leo, her son Donald and her five brothers Ed, Ken, Harry, Don and Carl.

Josephine is survived by her children Joseph and his wife Marion of Cornwall NY, David and his wife Toni of Jaffrey and Meg and her partner Rob of Peterborough. Also, her Grandchildren Mark Deschenes, Jim Deschenes, Caleb Deschenes and Natalie Deschenes Kennett, 7 Great Grand Children, and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren. And her best friend David and Toni’s dog Charlie.

There will be no calling hours. A private interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Jaffrey, NH will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Josephine’s name to: Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, 54 Portsmouth St, Concord, NH 03301.