Josephine Springer

Heaven gained a beautiful angel. Josephine has received her wings and now watches over us with love and grace.

Josephine Pacheco Springer, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born on January 16, 1939, in Salt Lake City to Joe B. Pacheco and Elvira Lovato Pacheco. Josephine—known lovingly as “Jo”—lived a life centered on caring for others and finding joy in simple acts of kindness. Jo attended Granite High School, where she met and eventually married Charles William (Bill) Owen. Together they had five children, of which one only survived 24 hours.  Jo and Bill later divorced, leaving Jo as a single parent. 

With four children to raise, Jo’s priority was always her family. She often worked several jobs to provide for them, ensuring they were surrounded by love, stability, and guidance. Her strength, perseverance, and gentle heart were the foundation upon which her family grew.

Jo began her career as a determined single mother, taking on various jobs while putting herself through community college. Through hard work and persistence, she built a career in accounting, eventually taking a position with Catholic Community Services—a job she was extremely proud of and where her compassion and dedication shone through. She later joined the State of Utah, working for many years at the Department of Transportation before retiring. Her commitment to excellence, integrity, and service inspired everyone who knew her.

In 1980, Jo met the love of her life, Eddie Springer. They later married in 1990. They created a beautiful life together, spending time camping, traveling and enjoying a blended family of 8 children and countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Jo and Eddie became active members of St. Francis Xavier Parish.  Eddie served on the Knights of Columbus, while Jo worked on the bereavement committee offering compassion and comfort to families during their most difficult moments. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to service, Jo was honored as the Salt Lake Diocese’s Catholic Woman of the Year in the late 1990s.

Jo could light up a room with her smile and the twinkle in her eye. She was funny, smart, compassionate, and kind. She was the heart of her family—the matriarch, caregiver, and “mom to all.” Her door was always open, her humor ever-present, and her love unconditional. Deeply dedicated to her family and her faith, Jo led by example, showing that strength and tenderness can coexist beautifully.

We would like to share our deepest appreciation for Summit Senior Living for the care they have provided for mom over the past 6 years. The kitchen staff, activities staff, administration, medical staff and all the care staff. Special thanks to Rosie, Ati, Katelynn and of course, Scott. You gave mom the best care and love we could have ever asked for. She loved you all. Oh, and we can’t forget about Kai at the front desk – always there for us and for mom.

Also thank you to Ability Hospice for all the care you provided – especially Mandy and Sue. She loved you both as well. 

Jo is survived by her two daughters, Vera Archuleta (Randy) and Monica Owen (TK Nichols); her two daughters-in-law, Gail Wayman and Brenda Owen; her step-sons, Max Springer (Judy), Marty Springer (Kris), and Mark Springer; and her siblings, Mary Johnson (Michael) and Joe B. Pacheco (Rochelle). Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Eugene Springer; infant son, Shannon Owen; two adult sons, Richard Owen and Ken Owen; Grandson, Jesse Owen, her parents; and three siblings.

A celebration of Jo’s life will be on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of the building. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 4914 South 2200 West, Taylorsville. Jo will be laid to rest following the mass at Mountain View Memorial Park, 3115 East Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights.

Please share your memories with her family.