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GABY JACOBY Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 15, 2009.

JACOBY--Gaby Monet, October 31, 2009, passed away peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by family and friends that adored her. Gaby was the beloved wife of legendary comedy writer, Coleman Jacoby, for over fifty-four years and magnificent stepmother to Catherine and Antoinette Jacoby. Nee, Marilyn Lagoria in Oakland California, Gaby became a flamenco dancer as a young girl, and came to New York City at age 19. Gaby danced on Broadway in "By the Beautiful Sea" in 1954 and in "Mask and Gown" in 1956. She went on to become a choreographer of live industrial musical shows, as a partner in production company Concepts Unlimited Inc. Concepts produced the documentary film, "Norman Rockwell's World: An American Dream" winning the Academy Award for Best Short Subject Film in 1971. In addition, Gaby produced and wrote many other successful documentary films for television garnering several Emmy awards and critical acclaim. Gaby had two passions: her love of her family and her love of her work. After forming Jacoby-Monet Productions with Coleman, Gaby began a new chapter in her ever developing career, writing and producing for HBO documentaries, including the highly successful "Autopsy" series with medical examiner Michael Baden. Working closely for the last several years with friend and colleague, Sheila Nevins, President of HBO Documentary Films, Gaby additionally produced "The Iceman Interviews" and "The Iceman and the Psychiatrist". Gaby was known and loved for her kindness, generosity, humility and strong, quiet convictions. In 1963 Gaby marched on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and was pleased to live to see Barack Obama elected President. Despite her illness, she continued working on the HBO documentary about the Barnes art collection, currently in production. Gaby is survived by her husband Coleman Jacoby, her stepdaughter Loria Parker and husband Gerry Janssen, brother, Jack Lagoria of San Francisco, niece Kitty Dorazi, grandniece Cynthia Dorazi and grandnephews. A memorial in her honor is planned at HBO on Tuesday, December 1st at 10am. Please RSVP at HBO, 212-512-7261 if planning to attend.

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Jacqueline Gindler

November 17, 2009

Dear Uncle Coleman and Cathy,
I just learned today of Gaby's passing, and I was immediately filled with memories of her beautiful lithe dancing figure, when she came to Pittsburgh when I was a small child. To me she epitomized everything that was exotic, artistic, and beautiful, and I was so proud that she was part of our family. I know that you shared many happy years with her, and I wish I had known her better during those later years as well. I am thinking of you both with love, and will always remember Gaby with great affection.