Josephine Vaughan Obituary

Josephine Snyder Vaughan, affectionately known as Jo (always without the "e"), passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, just weeks shy of her 104th birthday. Born August 9, 1921, in Chicago, Jo lived a full and vibrant life defined by boundless energy, fierce resilience, and an extraordinary gift for connecting with people.
A force of nature and a true original, Jo was social, saucy, classy, and never afraid to speak her mind. At her 90th birthday celebration, more than one guest accused her - jokingly - of lying about her age. Her sharp wit and spirit never dulled. She had a laugh that drew people in-warm, unmistakable, and often erupting into the kind of joy that made everyone around her join in.
Jo was a woman of many talents. A gifted athlete in her youth, she rode horses, dove from high boards, played a mean game of tennis, and was a championship golfer. She was equally accomplished in the arts - an elegant painter often inspired by the lakeshore beauty of Northern Michigan, a skilled pianist with a beautiful singing voice, a knitter, seamstress, gourmet cook, and bridge partner everyone wanted at their table.
She traveled the world with curiosity and style - visiting countries like Thailand, China, Austria, Scotland, France, Switzerland, and more. Her life was as rich in experiences as it was in relationships. As her future mother-in-law once whispered with awe, "She's very social."
Throughout her life, Jo faced heartbreaking loss - but she met it all with grace, strength, and an unwavering resilience that inspired everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward; her daughters, Julie and Laura; her son, Charles; her brother, Clifford Jr.; and her sister, Patricia. She is survived by her daughter, Sara, and son, Edward Jr., along with seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply and uniquely.
Jo Snyder Vaughan was fiercely loyal, endlessly creative, and impossibly full of life. She touched so many with her humor, warmth, and unwavering presence. Her legacy lives on in the family she built, the stories she told, and the love she gave so freely.
She will be profoundly missed - and joyfully remembered.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 120 E. First Street, Hinsdale, Illinois at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 10.
A graveside service will follow at Bronswood Cemetery.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Josephine Snyder Vaughan, please visit our floral store.