Joan Anne (Bower) Jacobs

Joan Anne Jacobs passed away on November 29th 2021 surrounded by her loving family.
Joan will be deeply missed by her three beloved daughters: Electra Jacobs (Rob Buchta), Dayna Jacobs (Nick Onderak), & Nikki Jacobs (Robert Aridano); and her two grandchildren Brianna & Aidan (Dayna & Nick).
Joan was born in Brooklyn, New York to Henry & Lillian Bower. Henry immigrated to the US at a very young age from Romania and later served during World War II in Patton's Army. He spoke 7 different languages. Her mother was a court reporter. Her father Henry, and her Uncle Saul founded their successful photography company Bower, which still operates in NYC today. She was an only child, but her dear cousins; Nellie, Didi, Chuck, Michael, Evan, Lloyd, Andy, Neil & Annie were like brothers and sisters to her.
Joan was a New York city girl through and through. She loved to swim and spent many summers at Brighton Beach. Joan earned her bachelor's degree at City College and later her master's degree at Stony Brook University. Joan was an incredible light to everyone that she met. She spent time during her college years working on the Kibbutz Sasa in North Israel, with her best friend of 60 years, Phyllis.
Joan taught elementary school in New York City and was loved by all her students. Later in life Joan worked at Briar Cliff & Stony Brook University in the financial Aid department. She had a passion for helping students and working with families. She forged some amazing friendships through her career.
Joan passed on her love of New York City and Broadway to her granddaughter Brianna. She enjoyed whisking her off to the city for shows such as Wicked, Kinky boots, Anastacia, Elsie Fest and many others.
Joan had many adventures including travels to England, Greece, Turkey, & Spain. Joan was an avid reader, and her hobbies included hiking, camping, listening to music, taking continuing education classes, meeting her folk dancing group that she adored, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Thank you to the Opisso family who embraced Joan later in life and showered her with kindness and love!
Joan had an incredible heart and was a gentle soul. She had an amazing sense of humor, with an infectious laugh! Joan made an impression on everyone she met and put a unique stamp on this world. Everyone that knew her loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed and treasured always!
Friends may call from 5-8PM on Thursday, December 16 at the Anthony Funeral Home of Green, 4178 Massillon Road (corner of Massillon and Steese Roads; entrance off Steese) where a memorial service will be held at 6PM, Rabbi David Komerofsky officiating (find the livestream link below). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Broadway Cares Foundation at broadwaycares.org

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