Josephine A. Herz

Josephine Ashner Herz, a lifelong Dallas resident, lover of the arts, and loving mother and grandmother, passed away on January 28, 2013 at age 89 in Dallas, TX. She was born to Edgar and Ida Ashner in Dallas on June 30, 1923. She grew up in Dallas, where she attended Highland Park High School. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a sister in the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. She was predeceased by her husband, Martin Seymour Herz, and her sister, Burt Rosenman. Josephine was a very active member of the Dallas community and volunteered with a number of causes. She was passionate about the arts, and served as a docent and chair of a flower team at the Dallas Museum of Art, supported the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, and was a tour guide at the Meyerson Symphony Hall. A lifelong learner, she was a member of the SMU Godbey Lecture Series Advisory Board and was also actively involved in the university’s Tate Lecture Series. A dedicated Dallasite, Josephine proudly displayed her loyalty to her city during her many international travels and at home. She helped introduce Dallas to foreign dignitaries who came to town as part of her involvement with the Dallas Council of World Affairs. Her husband was the National Commodore of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and with him, Josephine was actively involved with the Flotilla 53 education outreach program. Josephine gave her time and leadership to several local organizations, serving as president of each of the Park Cities Women of Rotary, the Sundial Garden Club, and the Idle Wives Book Club. She also volunteered with Attitudes and Attire. She enriched her religious community as President of the Dallas Chapter of the Brandeis University Women’s Committee; Chair of the Speakers Bureau and Chair of Volunteer Recruitment for Family Outreach, a joint venture of the National Council of Jewish Women and Dallas County Child Welfare; and, as a member of the Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood. She will be remembered for her zest for life, boundless energy, insatiable curiosity, and flawless taste. She was a legendary gourmet cook, avid mahjong player, and lover of all things floral, especially orchids. She was voted #1 grandma in the world for 32 years in a row. Her family was of utmost importance to her, and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren both at home and on trips together. Josephine is survived by her daughter Susan and her husband Gene Morrissey of Dallas, TX, and her grandson Seth Mazow and his wife Erin of San Francisco, CA. She is also survived by her daughter Elizabeth and her husband Leslie Michelson and their daughters Julia and Laura Michelson of Los Angeles, CA.