Virginia Joosepson Our beloved mother passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on April 21, 2015. She was born Virginia Claire Humble in Tyler, Texas on August 25, 1922, the first born child of Minnie May and Garfield Humble; however, the family shortly grew to five with the addition of two more children, Don and Billie Ruth, who were born in Taft, Texas. After living in several locations the family eventually settled in Temple, Texas where Virginia attended High School. In school her favorite subject was Latin and she won many Latin tournaments, including the Texas State Latin Tournament. She graduated valedictorian at Temple High School in 1939 at the age of 16, and subsequently attended the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in Classical Languages.
She taught high school for one year in Orange, Texas, but gave that up in June of 1944 to marry William J. Hagerty of South Bend, Indiana whom she had met while attending UT. In the following three years she gave birth to 3 children Pat, Tim and Mike. In 1949 the small family relocated to Colorado where she gave birth to an additional 8 children, Bill, Mary, Charlie, Chris, Terry, Karen, Elizabeth, and Virginia; however, Charlie died in infancy. In 1960 her husband Bill passed away and she was left a widow at the age of 37 with 10 children to raise and support. With the help of her relatives she moved the family to Pasadena, Texas where she spent the remaining years of her life. She accepted a teaching position at Deer Park High School where she taught Latin, French, and English from 1962 until 1985. She had an extremely strong constitution and succeeded marvelously in raising and supporting her ten children, but if she was able to keep her sanity during this tremendous struggle please don't blame any of them. In 1967 she married Aser Joospeson, but four years later she was unfortunately widowed again. After retiring from teaching and with all of her children grown she enjoyed many years volunteering to manage the book store at St. Pius V Catholic Church. During her retirement years she was blessed to be involved in the lives of all her grand and great grand children and always looked forward to the family Holiday get-togethers.
She is survived by her ten children, twenty-five grand children, nineteen great grand children, her baby sister Billie Ruth, and four nephews.
There will be a viewing at 2:00pm Sunday April 26, 2015 at Grand View Funeral Home 8501 Spencer Highway Pasadena, Texas. There will be a memorial Mass at 10:30am Monday April 27, 2015 at St. Pius V Catholic Church 824 South Main Street Pasadena, Texas.

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Kimberly Wuttke
May 6, 2015
Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Virginia "Jo" Joosepson. She was an integral part of our family's faith formation at St. Pius V, and an inspiration to all who knew her.
Angela
May 4, 2015
My condolences goes out to the family. Death effects us in so many ways. Stressful times, comfort is needed. Jesus words, "Come to me all of you who are toiling (hurting) an I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28 :
Marc Novack
April 29, 2015
Virginia Joosepson was among a handful of high school teachers who awakened in me a life long love of learning. She was instrumental in my entrance and scholarship to Lindenwood University, which provided entre' to a world of academic associates who have lifted me in life. Her patience with some of our more 'challenging' DPHS students was legendary, no doubt honed by raising her own ten children - a wonderful, kind and humble lady.
Bob Mabry
April 28, 2015
Teaching Latin in Deer Park was nothing less than heroic
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Irene Engels-Phillips
April 28, 2015
I had Mrs. Jo for both Latin and English in High School. Didn't realize we were her last class before retiring. Thank you for sharing her with us. She was a fun lady with a surprising sense of humor. Blessings to her family.
Nina Bowen
April 28, 2015
Oh, Virginia, I am so sorry that you left us before we were able to get together one more time. I looked you up recently and asked about you but was unable to reach you. I am so saddened by your passing and will always treasure our friendship and the fun times we had. God be with you as you rest in peace.
Lisa Mayer
April 27, 2015
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Jo's passing. I had her for English my junior year in high school, and have thought of her often over the years. She was a wonderful teacher and sweet lady. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. I will be praying for her family.
Joyce Stobaugh Hanchett
April 27, 2015
I remember Mrs. Hagerty fondly as she was my Latin II teacher her first year at Deer Park High School in 1963. She was always very kind and we loved to hear about her children. I have thought of her many times through the years and am grateful for all she taught me. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Donna Cobb-Radin
April 27, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Jo's passing. I had the privilege of being a student in her class my junior year of high school. She was one of a kind and I have never forgotten her. Her family will be in my prayers during this difficult time
Joseph DeBruyn
April 27, 2015
Dear Miss Jo. Thank you for being an inspiration, as a fantastic English teacher. What you taught me, for an appreciation of the English language in high school still lives with me today. I will certainly miss you but your teachings shall stay with me forever.
Deane Greer
April 27, 2015
I was privileged to have been a colleague of "Mrs. Jo" as her students lovingly called her. Always upbeat, always ready to meet the challenges of teaching, always caring, she was an inspiration to her colleagues as well as her students. She, indeed, did make a difference in the lives of all of us.
Stacey Dyer (Holland)
April 27, 2015
I had your mother for French II at DPHS, class of '74. On the first day of class she told us she had 10 children. She then laughed and said her theme song was, "I should've danced all night"! I loved that and her! I know you will miss her. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Cindy Steininger
April 27, 2015
Jo, thank you so much for your kindness, your faith, and all the help you gave to me and so many during our blessed years of being a member of the St.Pius V community. Your insight and knowledge of our faith was very inspiring and you set a very high standard indeed. God Bless you.
David Knutson
April 27, 2015
I was fortunate to have her as my Latin teacher in the late 60's. She was a wonderful person and educator. Prayers for all. Class of '69
Anna Skele
April 27, 2015
Thank you Jo for your many years of friendship. I will never forget your warmth and hospitality, our conversations over coffee at the bookstore and at your home, how you visited me when I was sick, and all of the unspoken ways that you served as an example of friendship and love to everyone who knew you. You will be remembered and missed.
Judge Stan Pemberton
April 25, 2015
My mother Aleyne Humble Pemberton was her youngest aunt and admired her greatly. Mother learned Spanish at You High School and was fluent in it.
Stan Pemberton
April 24, 2015
When my husband and I were young and my sister married to one of Mrs. Joosepson's children, we used to come by her home from our wanderings. I remember her kindness toward us. We had very few resources in those days, but I will always remember her welcoming us, feeding us and sharing her hospitality. Also, having her son, Tim, in our family has been a great blessing. Thank you from the Swarbrick-Parham Family.
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