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DENISE JACOBS Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for DENISE JACOBS
Yahaira Figueroa
October 3, 2011
My heart is broken, but she now carries it...She made sure to teach her students that being bold and vivacious was a way of life. I am now applying those words into my life. Thank you, mama D. -Yahaira Figueroa
Carmello Montoya
September 21, 2011
I did not know Denise but am learning that she was an influential person here at SBVC. Because I and a few other students at SBVC are working on the first edition of the school's news paper; this will include Denise's biography. I and the editors will do the best job possible.
Marilyn Royer
September 18, 2011
I am a stranger to Professor Jacobs and still went to her Memorial on the 16th of September at the college. Let me tell you. I feel I have lost out not being able to of met her. The show that put on was totaly wonderful and will never forget this.. I am blessed to of learned of her. I learned of her strength and appricate this so very much at this time in my life. God Bless her family and friends.
Marilyn Royer [email protected]
chrystal
August 29, 2011
Denise gave so much of herself to everyone she met. I can not believe she is gone. She taught me so much. I will miss you so much. I truly love you!
Rory Dyer
July 23, 2011
I was only ever privileged to do one show with Denise, but she had a huge impact on me. Even though we didn't see each other often, she always remembered everything about me- including dates and everything else that was important. Every time I saw her, it was as though we had been in constant contact. What an amazing person ! Miss slappage and tappage, I will miss you - your spirit and joy and drive are amazing. It's true - heaven IS about to get a lot more interesting.
Judith Ashton
July 23, 2011
Denise was irreverent, wild, funny, passionate and devoted to theatre and to her students. I loved hearing her zany voice calling me as I walked to class in the Old North Hall. I wish I had saved one of her voice mails where she would rip the administration a new orifice. Love you and miss you Denise (and your "girls).
curtis oakes
July 21, 2011
I was a child when I met Denise when my sister and I were in "Cheaper By The Dozen" with her.
I remember swimming at her house, and that I watched the first moon landing in her den.
I remember Denise as an extremely happy person, always nice to me and I was an annoying 3rd grader who couldn't learn my lines!
I admit I had a bit of a crush, and I loved going over there for rehearsal. Denise created an atmosphere around here that made it impossible to not be happy.
For these reasons Denise will live on in my heart.
Best wishes to her family and friends. I know she will be missed.
Curtis Oakes
Jim Michael
July 20, 2011
Denise was an amazing woman, a passionate teacher and a true inspirtion. She helped me learn to open up to new adventures and taught me lessons in joyful courage that are still unfolding in my life after all these years. I'll never forget her dancing with fierce radiance despite a broken foot and I still laugh when I remember watching her break in a new set of toe shoes partly by slamming them in her car door!
In the brief time I was privileged to know her, she changed my life for the better. I can still see her smiling in my mind. She had the rare gift of smiling with her whole being in a way that let her undeniable love shine brightly through.
It still does. Dance on, Denise!
Denise in Grease, "We Go Together..."
Robin Calote
July 20, 2011
What I remember about Denise: her prouncements after a long rehearsal that her "girls were tired" and it was time to go home; her laughter from the back of the auditorium (a not-so-subtle hint to the audience to laugh at the funny parts of the action); her ability to pull an outstanding performance out of students who had never before acted, sung, or danced a step; her belief that "theater saves lives" (now that I've seen the impact that she has had, I believe this too). In the printed program for each play or musical she directed, Denise used to thank whoever was her boss for "loving the theater as much as I do." Thank YOU, Denise, for loving the theater as much as YOU did, and for putting so much of your heart on the line to make a difference in the lives of students. And since you always remembered everyone's birthday and anniversary, I'll close by saying that old May 22nd, July 13th, and August 31st are thinking of you today too.
Je'net Carman Kreitner
July 19, 2011
Denise was so much to those of us at Uni High. She directed me as Golde in Fiddler, Louisa in The Fantastiks, not to mention so many other shows. For me, she gave me a safe place to get comfortable with myself, dared me daily to be excellent and to reach for the stars. She and Dan Trevino created a true community that worshiped the arts. So many of us took the belief she had in us and built careers on that foundation. She was tenacious, vivacious, incredibly beautiful in a girl next door gone wild way....we all wanted to be her... all us girls and some of the boys too! Dance with the angels, Denise, you have earned your wings....can't wait to see you again!!
Je'net Carman Kreitner
July 19, 2011
Denise built a community at University High in Irvine. For me, she gave me a safe place to be the me I wanted to be, taught me how to reach for the stars and not to settle for less than excellent. There are so many of us who went on to successful theatre careers and to win awards and recognition for the arts....and all of us...all...of us...think back to the beautiful vivacious, tenacious Denise , grateful for how she brought us all together to dream...angel wings...Denise...how you are soaring now!
Lori D'Itri
July 19, 2011
Denise was my idol when I was just 14. I wanted to be her soooo bad! I loved to smell her (I know sounds weire), but she wore jungle gardenia. So I wore it. She called me by my last name and kicked my butt when I needed it. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have the life I have. I have been non-stop performing since I was 14 and now I'm well....OLD! What she instilled in us when we were kids isn't readily found in this town. She demanded our dedication and our best. She taught me to tap dance, ballet dance, hip hop, rock, all of it. She believed in me. My heart is broken that she is gone. She is light, love, passion, joy, beauty, and strength.
Brad Elsberry
July 19, 2011
"Life is a banquet...." Denise lived it to the fullest. And thanks to her I was able to learn the absolute joy of all out performing. Her positive impact on mine and my friends lives was profound. I am a better and much more fulfilled being for having been her friend and student for a few years,several decades ago.
donald cox
July 18, 2011
Denise's voice is ever present in my mind after spending eight wonderful summers working with her. Every time I prepare a lesson, choreograph a dance or give presentation advice, I hear her singing "Volume, Diction, Articulation" like she was sitting next to me. I was a shy boy with stage fright when I first met her in 1996, but after hundreds of hours of rehearsals, over the course of eight years, she molded me into the person I am today. I wish that I was a more talented writer so that I could fully express the sorrow in my heart and admiration that I had for her.
July 18, 2011
She did a lot for Many people. A great woman in every way. I knew her from directing me at Can Bernardino Valley College for several years. May she be at peace and always be a part of her students hearts. RIP
She was in the original "Grease" and "Rocky Horror Show" on Broadway
Kelly Uminski
July 18, 2011
Denise and I were friends (and like sisters) for over 25 years. We taught aerobics together many years ago at Nautilus, collaborated on shows and eventually taught together at SBVC. I would refer adults to her acting class at valley and she would refer children to our performing arts studio. Denise was so much fun, had so much heart...she loved and played hard! She was incredibly talented and amazingly original. She has touched so many people and will be missed terribly.
Cynthia McLaughlin
July 18, 2011
Denise directed my son, David Bookil McLaughlin as Tony in West Side Story, Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and many others. I was amazed how she pulled such unbridled talent from him and all of the other young people. What a talented Director. Madame Jacobs was a star on the stage, and now a brighter star in Heaven. You truly will be missed. RIP
July 18, 2011
I spent a summer doing a play, "Cheaper by the Dozen" with Denise and a great cast. She was always so kind and generous. She will be missed by many. Now she is with the Lord and truly happier.
Pamela (Oakes) Siegmund
Salvador Godoy
July 18, 2011
All I can say is that she was the best thing to ever happen to me. She believed in me when my family didn't understand, and held me when life put me down. I may not have known her all that long, (I wish I had) I see her as a second mother. You'll be missed dearly and I'll always have you in my heart. Thanks for telling me I have a voice... "...and you'll be dumb if you don't use it!!"
July 18, 2011
Denise, my mentor, teacher, friend, sister, second mother, and long-time collaborator :) How blessed and fortunate was I to find someone with a fabulous career and a huge heart. She planted a good seed in me, and everyone else. She nourished and prayed over it everyday. She was a gem, a light, and the funniest woman ever! Ten years of my life with her :) and ten years, she helped me raise Pua. She took me under her wing and trained me to be a pro and a perfectionist. And gave to me and loved me like a daughter! Never ever again will I have anyone bugging me ten times a day :( But her work, love, joy, and legacy will live on through every single heart she has touched. SBVC and the community was blessed to have her. No one can do what she did. She knew these students inside out and she had a way of approaching and handling everyone. I love you and miss you more and more everyday.
There will also be a memorial service in her honor on September 16, 2011 at the SBVC Theatre. Time is yet to be determined.
We love you Madame Rose Petals! :)
john hernandez
July 18, 2011
Denise was a very caring and energetic person. She brought out the best in people, even when we didn't know we had it in us. She left a lasting imprint in my life.
Mat Hunt
July 18, 2011
Heavens' about to get alot more interesting....
Eric Leviton
July 17, 2011
Denise was one of the most energetic people I have ever known. She motivated me to be the best I could be at an early age and for that I will forever be grateful. She will be missed.
Julie Hamre Ball
July 17, 2011
My heart has been heavy for days at the loss of such an inspirational and caring teacher, mentor, and friend. Denise did so much for her students, not the least of which was to stretch us as performers and help us to make the very best use of our God-given talents. She believed in each of us and taught us how to believe in ourselves. She gave us a voice. She treated us like family, even remembering each of our birthdays and other special days. She remembered my birthday, my husband's birthday, our wedding anniversary, and the birthdays of my children. She loved with her whole heart and was never, ever afraid to yell to us as we left "the house" (the theater) "I love you! I love you! I LOVE YOU!" She was hysterically funny and exquisitely tender-hearted, yet tough when she needed to be. She was a consumate professional and gave her all in teaching us the same - the same habits, the same work ethics, the same techniques, and the same vocabulary - so that we could carry on the tradition of live theater, an art form which she loved so much. I loved her dearly, will always be grateful to her for her impact in my life, and will miss her forever.
Robert Cohen
July 17, 2011
Lorna and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Denise Dales-Jacobs. I met her at the audition for Sally Bowles in my UC Irvine production of the musical "Cabaret," which was to open our new main stage theatre in 1971 - and she bowled me over the moment she opened her mouth and began singing. She was fabulous in the role, and fabulous in life. Lorna and I will never forget her.
Theresa Moore
July 17, 2011
Denise was quite a character! And she emphasized to her students to be characters as well. Just don't sit there and watch life pass you by, get out there and live life to the fullest! This is her inspiration to all of us. Make a mark on the world.
God bless us all.
Love and prayers,
Wes and Theresa Moore
porsha thornhill
July 17, 2011
There are people that pass by your life and others that make a lasting impression. I've learned so much from her in such a short time. my only hope is that one day i can touch one persons life the way she touched millions. Mama, I love you and we will dance agian in heaven one day. thank you so much.
Rachel Moore
July 17, 2011
In addition to her wonderful school and teaching career, Denise had a amazing professional performance career. She can be seen dancing with Michael Jackson in the "Thriller" video, she has performed on stage with Bob Fosse and Ben Vereen, and she was a cast member of "The Rocky Horror Show" in the original stage production at the Roxy Theatre in L.A. Just to name a few. She was an amazing teacher, director, and choreographer because she had already done it. She knew what it took to be a professional in the industry. I have my whole life to thank her for. She is also survived by hundreds of Theatre students, who over the years became her children. She is also survived by 11 dogs, whom she loved very dearly. Donations can also be given to San Bernardino Valley College Theatre Trust in order to build the theatre program of her dreams, I was honored to know and love her, like few did. I am blessed to be considered a daughter,
Vickie Hall Arshad
July 17, 2011
I am stunned! I just don't understand how this could happen, but then again, she was an angel, so I guess it was time for her to return to heaven!! THE BEST step aerobics instructor in history!! She motivated me to drive my car down the mountain, to get to her performance/class!! + what a dog lover!! A woman after my own heart! I love her dearly! I am so blessed to have known her!
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