Dagney S. Jochem

Born in Fort Devens, MA, Rev. Jochem grew up in Gainesville, FL and previously lived in Miami, FL, Stuart, FL, and Durham, NC. After retiring from Duke University, she returned to Stuart and shared her time between Stuart and New Orleans.

Rev. Jochem is survived by her sons, Derick Jochem of Stuart, FL, John Jochem of Jensen Beach, FL and daughter, Kristen Pecot (Ray) of Metairie, LA; grandchildren, Thomas Jochem and Faith Jochem of Stuart, FL. She was predeceased by her parents, Oscar and Elaine Servin.

Dagney graduated with honors from University of Florida with a Bachelor’s of Arts and Education in 1963 and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She received a Masters of Economics from Florida Atlantic University in 1973. She also received a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1995. In her early career she taught high school in the Florida public school system. She also started her own economic consulting firm. She was appointed by two Florida Governors to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning council and became Chairperson. Dagney became a tireless advocate of persons living with HIV infection around the world. She started Partners in Caring and the Peer Effectiveness Training System (PETS) within the Duke Health System Pastoral Services Program.

Dagney was awarded The Purpose Prize, an international prize awarded to persons over 60 who combine their passion and experience for social good. She was on countless boards and volunteered for numerous institutions and programs including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Martin County Arts Council and Women for Arts to name only a few.

We will miss her indefatigable spirit and endless optimism. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who was loved by countless friends and colleagues and touched the lives of so many.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: the New Orleans Museum of Art,(noma.org) Women for Arts in Stuart, FL, or the Doug Thomas Care Fund (globalcfc.org).