Josephine Klotz Roche

Josephine was born in Austin on January 30, 1934, to Dixie and Harry L. Klotz, M.D. She grew up in West Austin and attended Wooldridge Elementary, “UJH”-University Junior High School, and Stephen F. Austin High School. After graduation, she attended Hollins College in Virginia before transferring to The University of Texas. While at Texas, she was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, and she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance. Following college, Josephine married John David “Jack” Roche, and they enjoyed raising their two sons in Austin. She loved cooking for the boys and their friends, planning picnics, and spending time at the family lake place. Each Christmas, on the last day of school before the Christmas break, Josephine hosted a “themed” family Christmas dinner complete with elaborate decorations that she had made throughout the year. One of her greatest lifelong joys was gardening. She possessed a true green thumb, growing gorgeous flowers and cultivating a glorious yard that was admired by many. In addition, Josephine was an accomplished cook and an elegant hostess. Entertaining family and friends at her dining table brought her great happiness. She carefully planned menus and kept detailed records, so each dinner party was different and unique. It was a special treat to be included in one of her parties, and guests almost never missed one—unless they were hospitalized or out of the country!

Josephine lived a life rich in beauty, adventure, and community. She served as President of the Junior League of Austin and later joined the League’s Garden Club upon its inception. One of Josephine’s other loves was music. She was a patron of the Austin Symphony and held season tickets for many years. Josephine found great comfort and community in her spiritual life and faithfully attended Mass at St. Austin’s Catholic Parish and later, the Catholic services at Seton Hospital. She also enjoyed the outdoors and spent time backpacking with her cousins and sons, biking in Vermont, and fly fishing in Wyoming.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, John David Roche; her sister, Nancy Klotz Spencer; her brother-in-law, James Timothy Roche; and her nephews, Michael C. Spencer and James Timothy Roche, Jr.

She leaves behind a deeply loved family, including her sons, David Leslie Roche and his wife Becky, and James Thomas Roche and his wife Melony; her cherished grandchildren, James Campbell Roche and his wife Katie, and David Jackson Roche and his wife Caroline; and her four precious great-grandchildren, Lane, James, Eloise, and Reeves, who adored her and called her “Grousie”. She is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don Spencer, M.D., Mike and Gayle Roche, and Sandra Roche; nieces and nephews, Josephine Brent (Greg), Tom Spencer (GiGi), Kimberley Green (Tim), Julia Walker (Jay), and Michael Roche; cousin, Ayree Stokes (Ralph); her lifelong “Lunch Bunch” friends who meant the world to her: Patricia Robinson Tyler, Nancy Ritter Rodman, Claire Caswell Cunningham, Carole McIntosh Sikes, Louann Atkins Temple and honorary member, Roger Joseph; special friends Cecelia Cook and Allison Laughlin.

The family extends their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Patricia and the second-floor staff at Westminster Skilled Nursing Center for the exceptionally compassionate care and love that Josephine received over the past year. In addition, the family would like to thank the care team at Hospice Austin for their support and services during this difficult time.

Throughout her lifetime, Josephine enjoyed the flowers in her garden and the native wildflowers of Texas. In remembrance of Josephine, donations can be made to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Please see link below.

https://www.wildflower.org/donate/tribute-memorial-giving

A private family service will be held at a later date.