Josephine Caroline Donoghue

She lived a full and vibrant life marked by devotion to her family, faith, and the simple joys that brought her happiness. Her fashion and style were always her trademark.

She was born in Floral Park, Long Island on January 31, 1935. She was the 10th of 10 children with her twin Tom beating her out by minutes. Her family then moved to Fremont (Arkport) NY at the age of 7, where she, along with her brothers and sisters lived and worked on the family farm.

Josephine graduated from Arkport Central in 1953, and soon after, moved to Rochester, NY to begin working at Rochester Telephone.

She met her husband Jeremiah at a St. Monica’s Church social and they married on October 8th, 1960. She continued working at Rochester Telephone until her son Michael’s birth in November 1963 and then welcomed the birth of her daughter Amy in April 1967. Many wonderful years were spent on Gatewood Avenue.

Josephine started her “second” career in the late 1970’s where she began working at Off Track Betting. She was often called “Check Check” for her classic line to check your tickets. She managed various branches until her retirement in 2005.

In retirement:

Josephine continued to build and tend to her beautiful gardens, making sure to have beautiful colors throughout the seasons. She loved to celebrate every day with a peek at her garden by walking the yard to look how all had changed each day. She loved to cook for her family, finding new recipes but always known for her classic mashed potatoes and witches stew (Halloween Dinner). She loved to spend time with her grand-daughters, and any visit or story of her great grand-children brought an instant smile to her face.

She loved traveling the world with her family and “framily” as we called it - your friends that are truly family. If asked if she wanted to go, her answer was always “yes!"

She loved to decorate for all seasons and holidays. Her home was always like a holiday card inside and out.

She was a devoted Catholic, belonging to St. Theodore’s for over 60 years. Her faith provided her strength in good times and bad. The majority of her days began by going to church for the rosary and mass in rain, shine or snow. She volunteered at the St. Theodore’s food cupboard and other events.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Theresa Hoeffner; her husband Jeremiah; her brothers Phillip Hoeffner, Robert Hoeffner, George Hoeffner, and her twin Thomas Hoeffner; her sisters Marion Dorfer, Irene Briggs, Theresa Hoeffner and Emma Potter.

She is survived by her son, Michael (Marie) Donoghue and daughter, Amy Donoghue; grand-daughters, Kelsey (Michael) Chamberlin, Taylor (Michael) Stevens, and Brenna (Cody) Mosher; great grand-children, Olivia and Jacob Chamberlin, and Reese Stevens, all of Rochester, NY; her sister Helen Burke; and sister- in- law Ann Hoeffner of Hornell, NY. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Her love of life, perseverance and ability to enjoy the small things in life were/are a true blessing and inspiration. She was loved by many, and her memory will forever bring a smile to our faces.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 4-7pm at Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY. A funeral mass will be held at 10am, Friday, October 10, 2025 at St. Theodore's Church, 168 Spencerport Rd., Rochester NY. Entombment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Josephine with a contribution to St. Theodore's Church.