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June 28, 1930  -  November 28, 2022

Our Mom, Barbara Jean Jacobs, passed away peacefully on November 28th 2022 in her 93rd year. She was born in Toronto on June 28, 1930 to Mary and James WP Gorman and grew up in that city. She attended public school in North Toronto and high school at Branksome Hall School for girls.

Now as chance would have it the Gormans were early cottagers on Snake Island in Lake Simcoe, as were the Jacobs family, which led to an “Island Romance” and marriage of over 60 years to Alec Roy Jacobs, our Dad, who died Sept. 29, 2011. Those were the days when “till death do us part” was taken seriously and was shared by their closest friends who all lived out their lives as spouses and companions.

It was also a time when being a Mom meant that, if possible, your job was to stay at home and raise the family. We were so lucky … our Mom happened to be very good at that. She was the consummate “Homemaker” of the 50’s & 60’s. Barbara liked to entertain, she volunteered at Meals On Wheels, she was a member of the I.O.D.E and was a chancel guild volunteer at her church. Barb was a good bridge player and an excellent cribbage player. And as an animal lover, she doted over the many dogs and cats that at one time or another were part of the family… and she consented to our care of the frogs, snakes, rabbits and many other creatures that for a time found their way into the family menagerie.

She was an organized provider of sustenance who was nurturing yet firm, generous and funny, supportive and encouraging and because the first 3 children were boys a little over a year apart, she developed the skill of applying the back of the silver hairbrush, when needed, accurately and effectively.

Barbara was the loving mother of Steven (Toni), Chris (Megan), Tim (Mary),

Mary (Len) and Peter (deceased May 1997). She had six grandchildren and four great grandchildren that she was very proud of.

Our Mom enjoyed traveling to Europe for skiing and tennis holidays with her husband and friends and she loved wintering in Florida where she and Dad golfed and relaxed for many years. If she could find a patch of beach on a warm day with a good book… that was her slice of heaven.

As mentioned earlier, Snake Island in Lake Simcoe was Mom’s special place. As her memory faded in the last few years, her 85 Summers and experiences there growing up were by far the most indelible of all. No matter what was happening in her life with Covid and Dementia or what new challenge that elderliness presented, there was always the cottage to look forward to. It was those memories that sustained her. We were able to get her there for the last time 2 summers ago… it is where her ashes will reside.

Barbara’s family would like to thank ALL the staff at Cedarcroft in Stratford for their high level of care… and in particular our affections and appreciation go out to Delma, who took care of Mom like a younger sister would. You nursed our Mom through some pretty tough times Delma, and for that we are eternally grateful. And to Mary Monti, Mom’s friend, companion and caregiver, your support was immeasurable. Please accept our thanks and love for all you have done for Mom the last 4 years and beyond.

The Family will have a private funeral service locally and will celebrate Barbara’s life next summer, at Snake Island. 

We love you, Mom. May you Rest in Peace.

Steve, Chris, Tim, Mary & Peter.

Arrangements entrusted to W.G Young Funeral Home