Obituary of Irene Jacobson

Irene was born on April 29, 1917 in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. She was the 3rd of three daughters born to Annie and Herman Golden. Her two siblings were Lillian and Sylvia. In 1918, Irene's mother, Annie, passed away as a result of contracting the Spanish Flu (the Influenza Pandemic). After Annie's death, Herman continued to work and with the help of relatives, care for his daughters. For the betterment of the children, the girls were adopted by family members. Irene's biological uncle and aunt, Abraham and Rose Levine, who had one son, Myron, adopted Irene. Irene attended Boston school and after completed secretarial courses, she began her career as a secretary. In 1937, through the connection of a mutual friend, Irene met Simon Jacobson on a blind date. They later married in June 1939. In the years following, Simon and Irene's family began to grow with three children: Lois-Anne, Howard and Philip. Realizing the importance of raising a family, they decided Irene would stay home to care for their children. During that time, Irene began her first volunteer effort while working on John F. Kennedy's first political campaign where ultimately won a seat on the House of Representatives in 1947. In the early 1950s after their children were all finally in school, Irene returned to work in sales. Irene and Simon lived with their family in Brighton (a suburb of Boston) and then Malden, MA until they ultimately relocated to Vineland in September 1961 due to Simon's job transfer. In Vineland, Simon continued to work in sales and support his family for many years following. They formed many friendships, were involved in their synagogue and generously gave much to their community. Irene and Simon had three children, Lois-Anne (Sol), Howard (Mariann) and Philip (Nancy); 8 grandchildren, John (Carol), Jeff, Jennifer (Brian), Jody (Carrie), Alex, Lauren (Robin), Jeneane (John) and Abbe (Craig); 6 great-grandchildren, Joseph (Sara), Joshua, Zachary, Landon, Reed and Bowe; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Jacob and Janice. After several career changes, one of them being Syes Cleaners on Landis Avenue in Vineland, Irene worked full time for eights years for the State of Israel Bonds. While raising a family with Simon and working, Irene still found time to volunteer for many organizations: Hadassah (Vineland) - Life Member and Treasurer for over 20 years; Volunteers For Israel - In 1989, Irene and her daughter, Lois-Anne, traveled to Israel where they volunteered at the Army base for three weeks; Tarklin Acres Senior Lunch Program (Vineland)-47 years until she was 99 years old! Irene was among the first of volunteers when the program began. At the age of 100, Irene became a participant of the program. She was acknowledged by the County Freeholders for her years of service and 100th birthday. Much of this all-inspiring lifetime of service to family, friends and community would not have been possible without the support of her husband, Simon. In October 1984, Simon passed away...leaving behind a beautiful legacy being carried on by Irene. Their story of 47 years together and 45 years of marriage was filled with total and complete love and devotion to each other...an unbreakable bond. They were best of friends, wonderful parents and great partners. They always enjoyed their time together dancing, music, theater, trips and family gatherings at home with the extended family in Massachusetts. Irene has been a member of Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Vineland and Alliance Synagogue in Norma. She enjoyed spending time with the family, reading, movies and word puzzles. A funeral home visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 9am - 10am, with service following at 10am at Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, followed by burial at Alliance Cemetery, 970 Gershal Avenue, Norma. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com