Josephine M. Dornak

Born in Hallettsville, Texas on November 26, 1926, to German mother, Selma Bednarz and Alsace-Lorrainian father, Leo Christen. She passed away in San Antonio on March 7, 2023. Family and friends have called her a force filled with true grit and resilience.

She spent her early career in Uvalde learning the title business with Hensarling Title, then 25 years as a closing officer for Stewart Title in San Antonio. After retirement she opened “Brittle by Jo”, because her Stewart clients wanted to purchase her pralines. Jo shipped her delicious candy nationwide. Weekends and holidays she hunted and fished. In the 50’s and 60’s, in the Uvalde area, her family would swim by full moonlight in the Nueces River. These experiences taught her daughters a sense of wonder and respect for nature. Jo was an amazing shot known as “dead eye Jo”. She would fish with Archie reeling in huge catfish and bass. As a remarkable seamstress, she created wedding dresses for her sister Dolores and both of her daughter’s weddings, along with numerous prom gowns. She worked all day and all night, filled with never ending energy. That is what a child of the depression was supposed to do. Her life symbolizes the end of an era for Central Texans, simple and hard working.

Her family is forever grateful to Carole Burger, a lifetime friend who gave love and care during Jo’s physical decline bringing her companionship and true friendship.

At 96, Jo could still play her harmonica and accordion in her assisted living facility, Changing Seasons. She moved there during Covid lockdown where she could only visit with family and friends outside her window. Jo became a favorite of the residents and staff and her family is grateful for the love and care she received. After her stroke on February 8th and hospital stay, she returned under the care of Hope Hospice.

Jo is survived by two daughters, Joan (Larry Wharff) of San Antonio and Daryl Howard (Owen Kinney) of Austin, grandchildren Chandra Wickham of San Antonio and Colin Wharff (Emily Dumont) of Chester Vermont, step-granddaughter Taryn Kinney (Michael Morrow) of Austin, great-granddaughters Winona and Bailey Wickham of San Antonio, Miller and Josephine Kinney-Morrow of Austin, Mae and Sullivan Fitzgerald of Vermont and great-great-grandson Colt Wickham of San Antonio. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to the non-profit, Hope Hospice. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm.- 7:00pm, Friday, March 17, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARYFRIDAY, MARCH 17, 20237:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE

MASSSATURDAY, MARCH 18, 202311:00 AMBLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH600 OBLATE DR.

A private interment will take place later at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.