Jobyna Fraser
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 
Jobyna Fraser, 80, died, September 7, 2010, peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Jobyna was born on July 23, 1930, in Waterville, Maine and grew up in New England. She had many fond memories to share of her time spent there as well as in Boston where she had worked as a model. She talked of her favorite meals which consisted of lobster & fried clams.
Jobyna leaves behind her husband and best friend, Danial, who lovingly indulged her every whim. Dann wrote daily poems for her to celebrate their love. They spent countless hours talking about many different topics including science, the latest news events, politics, and their family.
They planned and shared a beautiful and wonderful life together.
Jobyna and Dann were married on, October 22, 1965, in Dallas, at the Unitarian Chapel and enjoyed their honeymoon camping in a pop-up trailer at Garner State Park, in Texas, with five of their six children. While on their way, many people honked at the station wagon full of children with the “Just Married” sign.
She also leaves behind six children, Dirk Fraser, Linda Fraser, Leslie Fraser, Lawrence Lowe, Kiera Beird, Lisa Fraser; five grandchildren, Robin Trickel, Cody Beird, Eric Lowe, Maya Fraser, Linnea Fraser; two great grandchildren, Gillian Lowe, Philip Lowe; two poodles; a tough old cat; and all her friends.
Jobyna could do anything she made up her mind to do. Once she started something she had to work non-stop until it was perfect. She cooked lavish meals, made beautiful stained glass windows, did needlepoint with intricate stitches and patterns, knitted difficult sweaters, made boxes out of cloth, and sketched pen and ink drawings.
She worked for the Dallas Unitarian Church as an assistant, including creating and publishing the monthly church newsletter. After leaving the church, she worked as the Assistant Program Director at KERA Channel 13.
In the early 80’s, Dann retired and they moved to Lake Palestine, where they lived for over 20 years. At the lake, they had gardens of many fruits and vegetables, a milk cow, chickens, and even at one point, bunny rabbits. During her time in East Texas, she enjoyed many family celebrations for one reason or another. The family all packed into the house where Jobyna would shoo everyone out of the kitchen so she could do her magic.
While they lived on the lake, she thrived on being part of the theater department at Lon Morris College where she taught costume design and construction and took pride in the creations of her students. She also designed and made beautiful, intricate costumes for the theater productions.
During her later years, Jobyna wanted to travel and travel she did…to California (twice), to Boston, to Florida, and the Bahamas. She regarded swimming with the dolphins (in Florida) the peak of her travel experiences.
Recently, she has been dedicating her time to various passions. One of those passions was gourmet cooking. She cooked many wonderful meals for whoever was willing to come over and enjoy it. One of her more recent cooking exploits was the quest for perfecting many flavors of ice cream. Even Ben & Jerry could not out-do her fantastic flavors. Whenever she wasn’t cooking, she spent time knitting several sweaters and playing games on her computer. During the past summer she spent many nights skinny dipping with nothing on but her oxygen hose. She enjoyed her last lobster feast on Sunday.
Jobyna always looked forward to the visits, the care and the friendship she received from Carolyn, Vicki, Matt, Dr. Nayak and the staff at Hospice (VNA).
Jobyna lived her entire life to its fullest.
There will be a celebration of Jobyna’s life on Saturday, September 11, at the family home, from 3:00 – 4:00pm. The family encourages all to bring a memory to share at the celebration.
Reader Comments (14)
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. I didn't know her well but the times I had the pleasure of being in her presence she made me feel so welcome. What an interesting person she was! I know you will miss her.
Rae
I have never read such a loving tribute. Jan and I have you in our prayers, rejoice that such a beautiful person was, and will always be a beautiful blessing to you.
Jobyna’s life was full of loving deeds,
Forever thoughtful of others special needs,
Today and tomorrow, all of life through,
She will always bring love and be a blessing to you
Jobyna had a real talent for friendship. She spoke often of her friends and even if you did not yet know them, you wanted to meet them because Jobyna made them so alive and delightful in your mind.
We will miss her desperately.
We look forward to meeting family and friends again on September 11th.
Madeleine and John.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Linda as you know I was only around Jobyna a couple of times, but each time Jobyna made me feel welcome and special. What a sweet lady and a vibrant spirit! Deep peace and many blessings to all of you during this difficult time.
Ella
The tribute to your mother was so beautiful and she lived and enjoyed life as evidenced by her lifestyle. I am so sorry fior your loss and I am here for you if you need me.
Margaret
I am so sorry for the lost of your beloved mother. It is so refreshing to know that she lived a full life enjoying and loving the things and people around her. I am here for you if you need me.
Margaret
Your mother was a darling woman who gave of her heart to everyone that she knew. Her home was open and friendly. I am sad for your loss but know that she lived life to the fullest and who can be sad when life has been lived in this way? My thoughts are with you.
Judy
I was so saddened with the the news of Jobyna's passing. She meant a lot to me during my time at LMC. She was a talented and gifted spirit, a wise and dedicated collegue, and a fantastic friend. I will miss her greatly. We had many a good laugh together and there was so much I learned from her. I miss her driving her moped to work. I thank her for sharing her life and family with me and mine.
Dan
I was saddened to hear about your Mother. The tribute was so warm and loving, just the way she was each time I was lucky enough to be in her presence. Jobyna lived a wonderful, full life and in the end, that is the best any of us can do and she did it with grace and elegance. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I was saddened to hear about your Mother. The tribute was so warm and loving, just the way she was each time I was lucky enough to be in her presence. Jobyna lived a wonderful, full life and in the end, that is the best any of us can do and she did it with grace and elegance. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.