Barbara Jacobs Thalhimer

THALHIMER, Barbara Jacobs, 89, of Richmond, Va., passed away on April 26, 2009. She was born December 12, 1919 to Leslie Louis Jacobs and Rosalie Straus Jacobs in San Francisco, Calif. Her late husband, William Blum Thalhimer Jr., was chairman and CEO of Thalhimers Department Store. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Leslie Jacobs. She selflessly supported a number of philanthropic causes across the Richmond community, including the American Red Cross, Children's Hospital, the Science Museum of Virginia and the Weinstein Jewish Community Center. She served as president of Jewish Family Services and was a founding member of The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia. A source of strength and positive energy for her family and dear friends, she will long be remembered for her elegance, dignity, social graciousness, thoughtfulness, wit and optimism. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Thalhimer and her husband, James H. Whiting; two sons, William B. Thalhimer III and his wife, Sallie, and Robert L. Thalhimer and his wife, Lisa; as well as seven grandchildren, Stanton L. Thalhimer and his wife, Liz, Barbara T. Daugherty, Elizabeth T. Smartt and her husband, Ryan, Katherine T. Adamson and her husband, John, Christie Thalhimer, Adam R. Thalhimer and his wife, Becky, Jill T. Campbell and her husband, Louis; and six great-grandchildren, Claire and Will Thalhimer, Lee Daugherty, Katie and Shepard Adamson and Lyla Smartt. The family wishes to thank the wonderful team of nurses, headed by Jo Ann Leitch, who cared for Mrs. Thalhimer during her illness. A private graveside service will be held at Hebrew Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Mrs. Thalhimer's home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Community Foundation, Jewish Family Services, Congregation Beth Ahabah or the MCV Foundation for the benefit of the Palliative Care Unit.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.