JACOBSON, Frances A lifelong educator and patron of the arts and humanities who channeled those passions for the benefit of children, especially those at risk, died peacefully January 28, 2022. Born April 30, 1934, she was raised in Brookline, MA. After graduating from Connecticut College, where she later served as a trustee, Ms. Jacobson earned a master's in psychology from Clark University. Known for her gift as a "child whisperer," Ms. Jacobson began her career as a second-grade teacher in Newton, MA and later helped create the Worcester Arts Magnet School and the Multiple Intelligences School to bring the arts to every child in Worcester. She was the first director of the Worcester Arts and Humanities Educational Collaborative, an initiative to bring cultural institutions into schools. She was Chair of the Board at Worcester Youth Guidance and was appointed by the Governor to serve on the MA Cultural Council. She was a family therapist for 25 years Ms. Jacobson was recognized by the Worcester Public Schools for her tireless efforts to make arts accessible to every student and was celebrated by the City of Worcester with a key to the city. During a visit to the White House in 2013, First Lady Michelle Obama called her "an inspiration to us all." Believing that nature and beauty are gifts to share, she was an ardent supporter of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Ms. Jacobson helped with the creation of the Children's Garden, calling the opportunity "a dream come true." She was quoted in Tower Hill's Magazine sharing, "To me, Tower Hill represents beauty, peace, an oasis. I love sharing that and have always enjoyed bringing my family here so they can experience it. Now it's wonderful to see all those young children enjoying it too. To them, the garden is a wonderful adventure and place to explore and they absorb so much." Her capacity for giving extended to her family, which included her husband Howard, with whom she had a 63-year loving marriage, their four unique daughters and eight grandchildren. Every Sunday Ms. Jacobson and her husband would hold hands and snuggle on the couch for their Sunday "Grammy's Chit Chat" Zoom call with all children, grandchildren and spouses who were available. Her daughters recall growing up in a house with laughter and joy. "She had fabulous one liners, including "if you marry for money you'll pay for it," said her daughter Susan Jacobson. Ms. Jacobson's emotional quotient and ability to read people and situations were her superpowers, according to her family. Friends said she was "solid as a rock," was always there for those who needed her, whether it be conversation or counsel. She often dispensed advice with the right amount of wit and wisdom. When her daughters fretted over a mistake she told them, "Don't flatter yourself by thinking that people are still thinking about what you said." Ms. Jacobson's sage advice lives on through her daughters, who share it with their children, friends and colleagues. She is survived by her husband, M. Howard Jacobson; daughters Susan and her husband Michael, Sally and her husband Marc, Joanne and her wife, Sara, and Leslie and her husband Richard; her grandchildren Elizabeth, Robert, Frank, Melody, Sam, Ruth and Rose; and sisters Marilyn Ullian and Barbara Freedman. Funeral Services will take place on Thursday, February 3, at 11:00AM at Congregation B'nai Shalom, 117 East Main Street, Westborough. Masks and vaccination will be required for all in attendance. Interment will follow at B'nai Brith Cemetery, 55 St. John's Road, Worcester. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home of HOLDEN. The Funeral Service will be live streamed at 11:00AM on Thursday, February 3. Shiva will be via Zoom on Saturday, February 5 at 7:00PM and Sunday, February 6 at 3:00PM. Please visit the obituary at www.milesfuneralhome.com for streaming and Zoom links. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Frances's memory to the Children's Garden at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens towerhillbg.org Miles Funeral Home 1158 Main St, Holden, MA 508-829-4434 www.milesfuneralhome.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 1 to Feb. 2, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for FRANCES JACOBSON

5 Entries

John Monfredo

April 24, 2025

Fran we all miss you very much

Barb Norton

February 6, 2022

I am so sorry to hear about Frances. My love and condolences to the whole family. I met Frances several years back at the YMCA in Westborough. She was one of my favorite students in my fitness class and I was lucky enough to work with her one on one as a personal trainer in her home in Westborough. Our sessions were always fitness and fun! She was always ready to go no matter what. We had many laughs together and she had a great sense of humor and always a smile on her face. As we chatted through all of the exercises she was always talking about her beautiful family her husband and how proud she was of them, her daughters and grandchildren. We talked about travel and she shared her experiences of her past and I did get to see some of her cute dresses that she got to wear too many of her events. She always remind me a little bit of my Nana with her sense of style. I was so happy to know her and enjoyed our time together.

John Monfredo

February 2, 2022

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Fran for when I was a principal at Belmont Community Schools she volunteered and worked so well with our staff and students. When I retired and ran for School Committee she was there to encourage me and to lend a helping hand. Fran was such a warm and caring individual and always ready to lend a helping hand. We will all miss her!