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JOSEPHINE BALL Obituary
September 16, 1941 - January 26, 2025
Josephine Ball died in Santa Fe on Sunday, January 26th, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born in Brooklyn, NY in September 1941. She was the fourth child of Italian immigrant parents, Antonio and Luisa DeBenedittis. Her three siblings, Carmela, Charlie, and Anthony, all preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, James Ball of Santa Fe, two daughters, Emily (Wesley) Raynor of Washington, DC, and Laura (Mark) Cromwell of Medford, Oregon, and one granddaughter, Talya Raynor.
Josephine attended elementary school in Williamsburg, NY. She was a 1957 graduate of Hunter College High School in Manhattan. After high school she earned a bachelor's degree from St. John's University in Queens, NY and a master's degree in chemistry at the University of Connecticut.
Josephine was among the earliest volunteers to the Peace Corps in the 1960's soon after President Kennedy called on the nation's youth to, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." She taught chemistry at the Universidad del Norte in Antofagasta, Chile. She later married her husband James, another Peace Corps volunteer, in Chile.
She was above all a kind, gentle, and loving person who made friends easily and often. Her smile and warmth were infectious, her meals were culinary delights, her intellect was keen, and her compassion was beyond measure.
Two memorial events will be planned to recall her beautiful and extraordinary life: one in Santa Fe and the other in New York.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPHINE BALL
Sponsored by The Santa Fe New Mexican.
Gerald Swartz
March 3, 2025
I thank God you came into my life, at a very dark place in my life Josephine. I miss you so much, In your memory I will try to be a better person and read more often, I was so blessed to have you in my life and the vacuum you gave me so i won't heart my back and the grocery's you brut me after surgery. I was so so blessed to have you in my life, rest in peace my friend your in Gods hands now, Amen
Tammy Sparks
March 1, 2025
Family by marriage but definitely family. We loved Josephine!
Gerald Swartz
February 12, 2025
To All of the Ball family, My Deepest Condolences with the passing of your beloved Josephine. She was my tutor and mentor and a good friend with a Smile that lid up a room. I was so blessed to have had her in my life. My heart goes out to All the family. Your Spirit lives in our memories of you and will stay alive for your Family and friend. your Friend Gerald
Nancy Vigil
February 9, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this news. I always loved visiting with Jo, in person or by phone. She was such a pleasant uplifting person. We shared stories of family and food. Condolences to Jim, Laura and Emily along with their families.
Rene Cruz
February 9, 2025
My condolences to James and daughters I will always remember as a great charismatic friend and person will be missed god bless
Alicia y Alejandro Silva
February 5, 2025
Lamentamos la partida de nuestra amiga de más de 60 años, desde que llegó a enseñarnos química durante nuestros años de universidad.
Increíble mujer, llena de alegría y gran amiga, destacada cocinera siempre recordaremos un "tail gate party.
Su partida nos llena de tristeza y dolor, pero sabemos que ahora está muy bien en su nuevo destino.
Acompañamos en su dolor a Jim, Emily,Laura, Thalia y sus demás seres queridos
Querida Gringa descansa en paz
Diana
February 5, 2025
I love you so much! And will miss you very much!! I have some many beautiful memories growing up. They will always be vivid in my heart. Thank you for everything you did for me and all the love and support you showed me. I will miss having the delicious soups you made me. I´m glad I got to have some hot cocoa with you one last time. Bischiquitos will always remind of you. Your wonderful smile will always make me smile. My sincerest condolences to James, Laura and Emily my heart and prayers are with you.
Fr. Ricardo Russo
February 3, 2025
Josephine; sincerest condolences to Jim and the girls. Her bright smile and hospitable nature showed "heaven on earth." When it´s my turn I hope to catch up on old times. God is sure to bless you. Fr. Russo
Mario Romero
February 2, 2025
My condolences to the family,she was great Boss.
Mario
Mary Uhl
February 1, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with Josephine´s family during this difficult time. I so enjoyed my friendship with Josephine when we worked together at NM Environment Department. Loved going to her kitchen to cook, I still have many of her hand-written recipes. Such a brilliant, bright light in the world, Josephine was a good friend to everyone. Rest in peace, Josephine, yours was a life well-lived.
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