Obituary of Grace Francis Jacobs

Grace Francis Gaines Jacobs - 94, passed away peacefully at 3:30am January 23, 2014 in her home of 30 years in Santa Cruz California. Grace was born August 29, 1919 in Minneapolis Minnesota, the daughter of Abraham Ginsburg (changed his name to Gaines) and Ruth Justman-Gaines. Grace had two beloved brothers Mortimer Gaines, deceased and Richard Gaines, living in Novato California. On March 30, 1943, in Los Angeles, Grace married Michael Meyer Jacobs (deceased). Grace is survived by her three children, Laurence Bruce (married to Sandra) living in Pescadero California, Yana (married to Robert Hudson) living in Santa Cruz and Robert Marc, (married to Ann Gentry) living in Los Angeles, along with her four grandchildren, Caleb Orion Jacobs-Smith, Aaron Russell Jacobs-Smith, Halle Elizabeth Jacobs and Julius Walker Jacobs. Grace was a beloved Aunt of Karen Gaines, David Gaines (deceased) Kathy Gaines, Susan Gaines and William Gaines. In 1930, Grace, along her mother and two brothers moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. She graduated L.A. High School in 1935. During World War II, Grace was an active member of the USO where she met her future husband, Mike Jacobs. Grace was fully involved with raising her three children and supporting their education. After raising her three children, Grace returned to school, earning a Masters Degree in Gerontology from Cal State Northridge. Grace used her education in Gerontology and Public Relations skills to help Maggie Kuhn found the Grey Panthers, an advocacy group for senior citizens. Grace continued to support her children's professional and business ventures as a publicist. Grace was active in many civic groups. In 1970 she ran for State Board College Trustees but lost to now Governor Jerry Brown. In the early 1970s Grace was actively involved in the preservation of El Pueblo de Los Angeles which, as a result of her efforts, is now a State Monument and enjoyed by millions of people as a living part of Los Angeles history. Grace was a broadcaster on Public radio including KPFK in Los Angeles where she produced programs on aging and intergenerational relationships. In 1980 Grace and Mike moved to Santa Cruz, California to be near her grand-children and the farm Mike bought in Pescadero, California. Grace was actively involved with her two grandsons, Caleb and Aaron, teaching them how to operate a computer at a young age. Grace became active in civics in Santa Cruz and was President of Life Long Learners in Santa Cruz 1993-1994. A devoted mother and grandmother Grace was a fierce supporter of her children's interests; son Larry, who with his wife founded Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo and Organic farming business, daughter Yana a local and National leader in the mental health field and son Robert business entrepreneur in health and fitness. Grace was an avid reader and strong believer in the importance of education. She stayed current and active with local and national politics, loved to hike in the sierras, walk on west cliff of Santa Cruz and had been a tennis player 3 days a week in her middle years. She loved to cook, and made a chocolate cake like no other. Since the passing of her husband in 2009, Grace was lovingly cared for by Ilona Wood and Ben Davis. The family is grateful for their help and support and that of the others who gave care. During life's trying times, Grace used to say; "Tomorrow is another day." In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the David Gaines Endowment Fund which can be found at UCSC.edu. < socialsciences.ucsc.edu/support-us/endowments/endowments-all/david-gaines/>