Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Josephine Hereford Obituary
Jobie
9/18/2000 - 8/11/23
Student
Jobie Hereford passed away peacefully on August 11, 2023. She was at home, in her parents' bedroom, surrounded by her family and her dog Iggy, and took her last breath in her mother's arms. She was 22 years old.
Jobie had a magnetic personality and charmed those she encountered with her sunny disposition, her genuine interest in others, her laugh, her wit, and her incandescent smile. She was a graduate of Denver Academy and a proud Women and Gender Studies major at Providence College. Her diagnosis of a high-grade glioma in June of 2021 forever changed her life. She spent a year going through surgeries, radiation, toxic medications and endless rehab, but she made her triumphant return to PC in the fall of 2022. She persevered through the semester before her tumor's recurrence forced her back home. She battled her disease with grit and bravery, always deflecting questions about herself in order to focus on the stories of others.
Jobie cultivated friends of all ages, from all walks of life – lots of them – and they all satisfied some basic requirements: To be a "Jobie Person," you had to exhibit the qualities she valued, specifically compassion, humor, and concern for others. You like spirited banter and the Bachelor, and you could have a thick skin. Her people are a fiercely loyal lot and are the best people in her family's life.
She is survived by her mother, Andrea Dukakis, her father, John Hereford, her brother, Niko Hereford, her grandmother, Jobie Hereford of St. Louis MO, her grandparents Michael and Kitty Dukakis of Brookline MA, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. They include Ellen and Ches Thompson and children Andrew and Fritz; Page and Fonda Hereford and their children Emily, Tom, and Sally; Andrew Child; John Dukakis, Adriana Dukakis and their children Ali, Peter, Sofia and Alana; and Kara Dukakis and David Onek and their children Olivia and Nora.
Memorial Services will be held at Denver Academy 4400 E Iliff AveDenver, CO 80222 at 3:30 PM on Sunday August 27th.
Gifts or donations can be made to
American Endowment Foundation
FBO Jobie Project Donor Advised Fund
ATTN: Baird C/O Tim Butler
210 University Blvd Suite 800
Denver CO 80206.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Hereford
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
Meg
August 14, 2025
Ah, dear Jobie, every time I see her picture or think of her it brings a smile to my face and a song to my heart.
Meg
August 14, 2024
I know a year can feel like a lifetime and at the same time it seems like yesterday. Our sad day is Aug. 23 and the fifth year anniversary is no easier because the heart hole is no smaller. With fondest regards. Meg Perkins
Lisa Pinto
March 11, 2024
Jobie was a force of warmth and fun at her brother´s tennis events in Colorado. The pack of Nico´s teammates little siblings followed Jobie around. She was all smiles and kindness to adults and children alike. May Jobie rest in peace.
Bonnie Allen
September 28, 2023
Jobie sounds like the joyful spirit that I associate with PC. The world has lost a beautiful light, and you have my prayers for peace.
Bonnie Allen PC'90
Irene Sterghos Athanas
September 11, 2023
May her memory be eternal. My love and sympathy to her family. Her mother stayed at my home in Savannah Ga. During her Grandfathers Presidential run for U. S. President. I have fond memories of the Dukakis families. With deepest sympathy. Irene Sterghos Athanas
George Stein
September 7, 2023
Jobie was a ray of sunshine. Her smile is forever etched into my head. I cannot sympathize enough with her entire family. This is simply unconscionable to lose someone this young and vibrant. I suppose God needed another angel.
Christi Warner
September 7, 2023
There are no words....
Abigail Brooks
August 30, 2023
I had the honor of getting to know Jobie as a brilliant, charismatic, enthusiastic, critically- engaged, serious and highly motivated student and young person at Providence College. Jobie was fiercely committed to pressing social justice issues of our time. As a passionate Women´s and Gender Studies major, and executive board member of Women Will, Jobie´s deep interest in and commitment to women´s rights and gender justice energized and inspired those around her, both inside and outside the classroom. Nearly all of my meetings and wonderful conversations with Jobie happened over zoom, nonetheless her vibrant warmth and laugh, her astute insights and intellectual gifts, her passion and drive, shone through the screen most vibrantly.
Jobie attended our joyful Women´s and Gender Studies community-building event in October, 2022, and I had the great pleasure of finally meeting Jobie in person, talking with her, spending time with her alongside her WGS peers and faculty, and giving her a great big hug! Jobie´s smile and laugh, her wisdom, her unwavering dedication to making this world a better place, will forever guide and inspire me and so many others. Jobie will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Apollo Dukakis
August 29, 2023
Our condolences to the whole family. Your loss can not be fathomed. All our love and prayers.
Apollo and Maggie Dukakis
Rosemary Maher
August 28, 2023
Jobie was a student in my Intro to Social Work class and she was a delight. We would always chat before class and she was always so earnest and thoughtful and invested in all dimensions of her life at PC. She lived her life fully every day. She was so proud of her family and all the contributions they have made. What an awful loss for her family and for the world to lose this shining star.
Rosemary Maher
Jill Sabatine
August 27, 2023
I had the pleasure of having Jobie in my Social Work and Diversity class at Providence College. She always arrived early and we talked about social justice, politics, and how much family meant to her. I looked forward to these conversations and loved her passion and spirit. So sad to hear of her passing. May good memories sustain you through this terrible loss.
Daria Spezzano
August 25, 2023
Jobie was in my Theology class in Spring 2021. Although that was a crazy semester for all of us (Covid) I remember well her great smile, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn. Praying for her here at Providence College...may the angels lead her into Paradise.
Krishan Oberoi
August 25, 2023
So sorry for your loss- this is such a tragedy. May Jobie's legacy live on through her friends, family & colleagues. (-Krishan Oberoi, PC faculty)
Olivia Worrell
August 24, 2023
Anyone who knew Jobie was lucky to have been graced with her friendship, love, & light. Jobie was always the first person to check in on anyone struggling, and she was there for me dueing some of my hardest times in college. I will forever be so thankful for the time I had with her. She has always been an absolute angel, and words cannot express how much she is missed. I talk to her in the stars now, but I wish I could hear her laugh one last time and give her a big hug again... Sending my condolences & prayers to her lovely family. XO
Chris Lewis
August 24, 2023
I was Jobie´s Art Teacher at Stanley BPS. My Daughter Rosie was her classmate and friend as they were in the same class at Stanley. Rosie and I were reminiscing about Jobie´s charm and how lovable and loving she was a few days before hearing of her passing. We both assumed we would at some point see Jobie again. Upon learning the news we both experienced a sense that we along with all whom Jobie touched had lost someone very special. I could never presume to know how difficult it is for those who loved her the most at this time. I can say I know the myriad of feelings both joyful and painful that occur during this time. Jobie is memorable to say the least. I know she will continue to come up in all our lives and leave us all with a smile on our faces. Written with tears in our eyes,
Rosie and Chris Lewis
Carmen A. Rolón
August 23, 2023
I had the privilege of teaching Jobie during her last semester at Providence. College. I was impressed with her intelligence and passion for the topics in our Women's and Gender Studies class. She was such a wonderful student and I deeply valued her contributions to our class discussions. For me, she was a warrior, and I will always remember and admire her for that, and I know that her classmates will always remember her for her thoughtful contributions to our better understanding of gender, class and racial justice in our society. She'll be missed by all who knew her.
Erin Wickens
August 21, 2023
Jobie was the kindest soul I have ever met. She was always a helping hand whenever anyone needed. I shared many wonderful memories with Jobie in higschool. She was truly one of a kind. Sending so much love and light to your family in this time.
Earnie Ray
August 21, 2023
My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return our loved ones . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13&14.
Ashley Arnold
August 20, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Josephine Hereford's name
Memorial Events
for Josephine Hereford
How to support Josephine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Josephine Hereford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
