1924
2013
JACOBS, Ruth Harriet (Miller), Ph.D. Of Wellesley, died on September 5, 2013, age 88. Ruth Harriet Jacobs, Ph.D. was a gerontologist, sociologist, educator, poet, and author of nine books. She had many years of teaching experience and provided continuing education courses for professionals. In addition, she held workshops throughout the US and abroad, and for 20 years was a researcher at the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College. Dr. Jacobs books include: Be An Outrageous Older Woman, Women Who Touched My Life: A Memoir, We Speak for Peace: An Anthology (as editor), Older Women Surviving and Thriving: A Manual For Group Leaders, Button, Button, Who Has the Button?: A Drama About Womens Lives Today, Out of Their Mouths, Life After Youth: Female, Forty What Next?, ABCs for Seniors: Successful Aging Wisdom from an Outrageous Gerontologist , and Re-engagement in Later Life: Re-employment and Remarriage. While raising her family, Dr. Jacobs received her B.S. at age 40 from Boston University and her Ph.D. at age 45 from Brandeis University. She was a sociology professor for 13 years at Boston University before going to Clark University in 1982 as chair of the sociology department. After retiring from Clark University, Dr. Jacobs taught regularly at Regis College, Springfield College School of Human Services, and in the Life Long Learning Program at Brandeis University. She was the recipient of grants and awards to pursue aging studies from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, the United States Department of Education, the Stone Center, the Southport Institute for Policy Analysis and many other institutions. In 1993 she received the Pioneer Award of the New England Sociology Association and has also received the Distinguished Gerontologist Award from the University of Massachusetts. Over the years she served as a consultant to several government and voluntary agencies, including the AARPs National Task Force on Aging and Mental Health. Dr. Jacobs contributed chapters to many scholarly books, poems to many poetry anthologies and magazines, and numerous articles to academic journals. She wrote a popular monthly column for the award winning Senior Times newspaper and served on the editorial board of the Journal of Women & Aging. She had residencies at eight major art colonies. An online showcase of her work is intended by her children to be created during this month of September at www.RuthHarrietJacobs.com. Please check this internet address from time to time for initial content and for additions of text, audio, and video. She has been a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the College of William and Mary (1990) and a Research Scholar at the Five Colleges Womens Studies Research Center at Mount Holyoke College (1992). In 1998 she received the Athena Award for Excellence in Mentoring for her book Women Who Touched My Life. An audio recording of Dr. Jacobs discussing Older Women as Mentors is available at http://www.wcwonline.org/Audio-Archive-2009/ruth-harriet-jacobs-older-women-as-mentors. She was a tenured full professor at both Boston University and Clark University. She keynoted major conferences and did extensive group work with older women. She was a reporter and feature writer for the Boston Herald-Traveler newspaper for eight years in the 1940s. Among those she interviewed during their visits to Boston were Winston Churchill and Eleanor Roosevelt. For a video oral history about her time as a journalist, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2OLJsVl5qk. Ruth is survived by her daughter Edith and her son Eli. Shiva will be at the home of Edith Jacobs on Monday, September 9 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A memorial service is being planned for a future date; please revisit www.Stanetsky.com for details. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Ruth Harriet Jacobs Scholarship Fund at Regis College, which was established in her name to benefit LLARC (Lifelong Learning at Regis College) for students who could not afford to attend lifelong learning courses; LLARC, Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street, Box 3, Weston, MA 02493. Online condolences may be offered at www.Stanetsky.com. Memorial Service and Celebration for Ruth Jacobs, Saturday, October 5, 2 PM, at the Wellesley Friends Meeting, 26 Benvenue St., Wellesley, MA. Stanetsky Memorial Chapels 617-232-9300
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Ruth Jacobs was my Sociology professor at Boston University. She made me feel so special when she asked me to critique her class after reading one of my writing assignments. She belived in me. This has stayed with me all these years.
I know she impacted many more. God bless the Jacobs family and know that Ruth Jacobs legacy lives on. She is in my heart.
Erica Potter
Erica Potter
November 22, 2013
September 30,2013,
when we were Ph.d studebts at Brandeis, two "older women" defying the stereotype of women of a certain age,Our renowned Professor, Everett Hughes, could never tell if I was Fran or Ruth, and if Ruth was Fran. Ruth wrote a poem about this, one of her many insightful poems about life, women,and history.I have kept, in a large box, all the letters, articles, poems that this creative woman wrote throughout her life. We were close friends for over 40 years, making sure to connect with phone calls, never, later through email, because Ruth wouldn't use this new instrument. Instead was her voice,on the phone,(never past 7 p.m.) and visits where we continued to share ideas and experiences.I will miss her forever.
September 30, 2013
In the 1970's, I was a teaching fellow at Boston University in Sociology and was inspired by Ruth Jacobs. She served as a model of compassionate strength for me.So know that her spirit continues to live on in those she touched.
christie Stiegman Jacobs
September 24, 2013
Dear Ruth, You have given so much to so many people, inspired and led and loved. You had a wonderful heart and accomplished so much good. We will miss you greatly in our Wayland Poetry Group where your poems and your comments, your mere presence, were so helpful and inspiring.
Pat Brodie
September 19, 2013
Ruth was an amazing woman. She inspired me when I was an undergraduate at Boston University to continue my studies as a sociologist. I thought I was "old" in my mid-20s but Ruther set me straight. She continued to support me and pointed me to Brandeis for graduate studies. A feminist and a humanist, she used her voice to mentors countless students and women to find their voices and to live their lives fully. While I am so sad to know of her passing, I know that her legacy lives on in so many ways. Please know how grateful I am for her guidance and role modeling.
Karen Wolf
September 18, 2013
Ruth was my colleague, friend, and fellow sociologist. We shared many years of friendship--going back to her days at Boston University (where I also was on the faculty), her activity with the MA Sociological Association,numerous workshops, shared times, and the list goes on. She contributed to at least one book that the late Beth Hess and I edited and always brought her distinct and imaginative viewpoint. We remained good friends (albeit not meeting as much as we should have) as we both grew older. I had the privilege of helping her deal with some of her later physical challenges. Always generous of spirit, she will be sorely missed. Indeed a woman for all seasons.
Elizabeth (Liz) Markson
September 16, 2013
Dear Edith and Eli,
I am deeply saddened to hear that your mother has died. She was a dear friend.
She touched my life in many ways - as a colleague at Regis and a “sister” Brandeis
sociologist before that. Ruth was definitely one of a kind. She had a way of caring and
looking out for me in my personal and professional life, which I always appreciated.
Her expertise at turning obstacles into challenges and moving on, without complaint
or regret are things she taught me how to do years ago.
I am sure your loving care helped your mother get through the difficult and trying days,
and keep up her stamina and determination to live her life as an outrageous older woman,
even in spite of illness. Your mother was also a special mentor to many people. We will
all miss her.
Louise Lopman
September 16, 2013
Dear Edith,
I was saddened to learn of the loss of your mother. She was an inspiration in the depth of her capacity to enjoy life. I will remember her wit, kindness, and humor. The lovely newspaper piece captured her many achievements and contributions so nicely. You were luck to have had her as your mother, and she was lucky to have had you as her daughter and caregiver. My thoughts are with you during this difficulty time, Edith.
Lynn Cattanach
September 15, 2013
As a BU sociology student in 1978, I was privileged to have Ruth as my professor and mentor, and later worked as her teaching assistant. Ruth was inspirational then, with words that I carry with me still. My condolences to her family. Sara Romer (Needham, MA)
September 14, 2013
Ruth was such an inspiration, always graceful, full of life, wit, and wisdom, open and welcoming to everyone. She will be greatly missed.
Ineke Ceder
September 14, 2013
I met Ruth just 18 months ago. She was a truly wonderful lady, very kind, incredibly thoughtful & intuitive. I shall miss her words of wisdom & her poems. My thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Hazel Blyzinskyj
September 12, 2013
In the summer of 1973 I met Ruth through her daughter, Edith. Ruth was a kind and patient woman. She was highly educated, but knew how to communicate with anyone. She was fun to be with and she understood adolescents. Her works will live on and help others. Her children are a blessing to the world.
Betsy Quint-Feldman
Betsy Quint-Feldman
September 12, 2013
Dear Edith,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.
Jean MacPherson
September 11, 2013
Ruth Jacobs was an inspiration to so many. She was very special.
Mary Ann Cluggish
September 11, 2013
On behalf of the Natick Veterans Oral History Project, I wish to convey my condolences to the family of Ruth Harriet Jacobs. She was one incredible lady.
Maureen Sullivan
September 11, 2013
I am so thankful to have had the pleasure of knowing Ruth, even for a short while, at Wellesley. She was, and is, an inspiration to us all. I send my kindest wishes of love and light to all of her friends and family.
Jodie Wennemer
September 11, 2013
Ruth was more like a sister to me than a sister-in-law. She welcome me into the family with a warm heart and has been a loving support ever since. We love you and miss you. Stephanie Miller (Mill Valley CA)
September 11, 2013
Ruth --you welcomed me into poetry and your life many years ago and we have connected in so many wonderful ways. From early days of poetry workshops to the most recen times at the senior care setting where I joined you at your class and visited you just to connect once again.
We also shared times together at BOLLI an the many earl mornings at the Longfellow pool that we so enjoyed. I will miss our Wayland poetry workshops that we shared for several years as well. I have been blessed for having you in my life and for moving on with your many books beside me.
Sandie Bernstein Wayland
Sandie Bernstein
September 10, 2013
Dear Ruth was a long and loyal friend. I am heartbroken. Since I am in Florida I will not be able to attend the services but I will remember when she visited me here and gave a workshop. She had a wide influence on many women for which she will always be remembered.
Anne G. Arsenault, Longboat Key, Florida
Anne Arsenault
September 10, 2013
Dear Edith; I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Theresa Kriston
Theresa Kriston
September 10, 2013
Ruth was my professor at Boston University back in the late '70s. But, more important, she was my friend, as well as a first-rate teacher and mentor. After years of working as an attorney in the music business, Ruth inspired me to take on a special challenge -- something that allowed me to return to my roots -- something that allowed me to pursue my passion. She she would then guide me along the way - which she will continue to do. I will miss my dear friend, Ruth, as many others will, as well. Rest in Peace, Ruth. xo Harry
Harry J. Getzov
September 9, 2013
Ruth, you will be missed.
Nancy Marshall
September 9, 2013
Feisty little Ruth, you will be missed. The class I took with her was my first at BOLLI and gave me the confidence to submit my writing to many different outlets. Thank you for the guidance and the encouragement and for reinforcing the joy of learning when retired. She was outrageous in the most wonderful sense of the word.
Phyllis Pressman Cohen
September 9, 2013
I was a one-time member of her Creative Writing Class at BOLLI (Brandeis), but deeply appreciate of her support that led me to a published poem. She was so proud of the "recidivists" who came semester after semester to her class to write, read and learn from this wonderfully spirited woman.
Peter Schmidt
September 9, 2013
Always one of my biggest supporters, Ruth was a force of nature, all by herself. She was kind, courageous, encouraging, a straight shooter, and most of all, a loyal friend. I will always remember her many kindnesses during dark times.. My condolences to Edith and Eli.
- Laura Palmer Edwards
Laura Palmer Edwards
September 9, 2013
I learned a lot from Ruth in our Wayland writing group. She had a lot of dignity while at the same time a great sense of humor and zest for life.
Joel Moskowitz
September 8, 2013
Ruth had an enormous impact on my life; knowing her was an honor and a privilege. Nothing anyone could write would begin to capture the spirit and joy and effect Ruth had on so many, many people. She was completely tuned in whenever she was with you...sensing your moods, your concerns, your thoughts and letting you know they were appreciated. She valued everyone she met and made each of us feel special. We, in turn, tried to rise to her vision of us. What a gift she had; what a gift she was!
Jan Putnam
September 8, 2013
I only knew Ruth as a member of our Senior Service Network Group in MetoWest. She was an "Outrageous Older Woman", making certain to get in a good swim before our 8AM meetings, promoting her books, and laughing out loud. She was an example to all the Senior "Experts" at these meetings of living each day of our life with fullness and joy. We will miss her.
Laurie Bender
Laurie Bender
September 8, 2013
Ruth was very encouraging during the times I spent in writing groups with her.
Her kind words helped me become a better writer.
Richard Leone
September 8, 2013
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Sep
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3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
home of Edith Jacobs
MA 02445
Funeral services provided by:
Stanetsky Memorial Chapel - Brookline1668 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02445
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