Josephine “Joey” Saltonstall DuBois died peacefully on New Year’s morning, 2026 at the age of 92 in the home of her eldest son Parker Converse, and his wife Louise Kennedy Converse, in Sarasota, Florida, where she had lived for the past 7 years.

Joey, the daughter of Katharyn and William G. Saltonstall, spent her formative years in Exeter, NH, where her father was principal of Phillips Exeter Academy, and summered in Marion, MA, a place she called home for decades. Joey attended Milton Academy and went on to Smith College before marrying Courtland B. Converse, an aeronautical engineer. They lived in Marion and enjoyed a full and happy life while they brought up their four sons. Courtland died tragically in a flying accident at the young age of 36 leaving Joey with four young boys under the age of 14.

Gentle in spirit and demeanor, Joey was tough as nails underneath. She held the family together as a single parent until meeting Alexander “Al” Hetzeck, a financial analyst and tennis pro from Worcester, MA. Al adored Joey, asked her to marry him, and enthusiastically took on the responsibility of co-parenting her four boys. Together Joey and Al welcomed a daughter, Heather. Despite divorcing 18 years later, Joey and Al stayed dear friends until his death in 2023.

Joey went on to marry Clark DuBois, who shared Joey’s love of sailing and tennis. They were married until his death in 2016.

Joey was an interesting woman. Old school in many ways, she believed that there was good in everyone. She went back to school in her 50’s to graduate from Lesley College with a Master’s in Education. Among many non-profit initiatives, she raised money for her local YMCA, founded Hockey Unlimited, a youth hockey organization, and co-founded The Loft Preschool. She eagerly supported the diverse interests of each of her children and was a vocal advocate for their educational, athletic and artistic opportunities.

Joey was a competitive sailor, winning the Herreshoff 12 National Championship twice, appeared on the cover of Sail magazine, and taught dozens of women to sail. She loved tennis and skiing and brought the same competitive spirit to her brutal ping pong game and to pool, where she was known to install sudden 'house rules' if a game wasn't going her direction. She was very active in the choir at her church, St. Gabriel’s Episcopal, in Marion, and a steady member of the congregation. Joey was an accomplished choral singer, and sang with the Providence Singers for many years.

Joey had a profound commitment to members of her community. At the height of the AIDS epidemic when there was little known about AIDS and everyone was scared of “catching it”, Joey became an “AIDS Buddy”. Joey's approach to life was direct and action-oriented. She believed in jumping into tasks with both feet and lived by her own advice: 'If you're feeling crummy, help someone else and you'll feel better.' Her refreshing honesty could occasionally catch people off guard, though her sensitivity and quick apologies when she'd inadvertently hurt someone showed a tender heart beneath that New England toughness. Even after moving into senior living, when staff would caution her to 'be safe,  she'd loudly pronounce, "I didn't get where I am by playing it SAFE!"

Joey moved to Sarasota, FL in 2018 where she enjoyed her final years close to family. Joey formed a fast friendship with her devoted caregiver Lisa Crouse, who would spend hours singing and laughing with her right up to the end.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, son Courtland B. Converse II,  and her sister Deborah S. Twining.

Joey is survived by siblings William G. Saltonstall II, Samuel S. Saltonstall, and Katharyn Hok. She leaves behind children Parker Converse (Louise), Chris Converse (Judy, son Benjamin), Jonathan Converse (Tricia, children Parker and Kate), Heather Nye (Mike, daughter Stella) and grandsons Courtland B. Converse III and Charlie Converse.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, Marion, MA, June 27, 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow. 

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