Eloise M. Jacobs

1941 - 2023

Eloise (El) M. Jacobs, 82, resident of Morgan St., in Bennington, VT passed away peacefully on Monday, August 7, 2023 at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY, following a brief illness.

She was born in Bennington, VT on January 27, 1941. She was the daughter of the late Hiland M. Main, Sr., and Elizabeth (Evans) Main. El received her education in Bennington and was a 1959 graduate of Bennington High School. El married Maurice (Mo) Rancourt in 1965 and had four children. In her later years, she met Leon Jacobs and spent many happy years in his company.

In earlier years she worked at Polygraphic Company of America, Mount Anthony Junior High School, Bennington Bowling Lanes, and lastly worked for many years as a production foreman at WJ Cowee's of Berlin, NY. El retired in her 60's in order to have quality time with family and friends, read books and play Scrabble by the pool, make puzzles throughout the winters, plan her annual Christmas party, and travel with her children and grandchildren to various parts of the country. Her laughter and ability to live in the moment will be cherished by all who knew her.

El loved sports. She earned many athletic awards in high school and bowled every Wednesday for over forty years of her adult life at the Bennington Bowling Lanes. Her name was often on the leaderboard. El also played softball during the summers in the local women's league and hit many a softball over County Street. She was a die-hard Boston Red Sox and New York Giants fan and knew the stats and histories of her favorite players. El was a devoted mother and grandmother and truly enjoyed sharing proud moments with those lending an ear.

Survivors include her children: Sharon Rancourt (Seth) of Bennington, VT, Mark Rancourt (Libby) of Bennington, Jennifer Schilling (Randy) of Washougal, WA, and Kristin Miner (Mike) of Raymond, NH. Three grandchildren: Nick Pappas of Burlington, VT, Thea Pappas of San Antonio, TX and Logan Mills of Salt Lake City, UT, an older sister Ida Gage of Middletown, NY, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by Maurice Rancourt, Leon Jacobs, and three brothers, Hiland M. "Bud" Main, Jr., Charles Main, and James Main.

At El's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services.

There will be a celebration of El's life to be held at the Mount Anthony Country Club on Saturday, September 30th from 1 pm - 3 pm.

If friends desire, contributions in memory of Eloise M. Jacobs can be made out to the Berkshire Family YMCA of Bennington (locally known as the Bennington Rec Center) through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.mahasrandsonfuneralhome.net