Nancy Jane Jacobsen
September 17, 1924 ~ September 15, 2015
Born in:
Chicago, IL
Resided in:
Lawrenceville, GA
Nancy Jane Jacobsen left this life on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 in Lawrenceville, GA., just 2 days before her 91st birthday.
Born in 1924 in Chicago, IL., she is preceded in death by her Life Partner, John "Tex" Ratcliff; her mother, Dorothy Mead Jacobsen; her father, Dr. Guy Jacobson; and her sister, Dorothy Jacobsen. Nancy is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara J. Neal and James Neal; her three nieces and a nephew, Susan Zwerling, Lisa Lester and husband Ken; Kate Guynn and husband Tony; Timothy Neal and wife Colleen; two great-nieces: McKenzie and Kasey Neal and three great-nephews: David Dix, Gabriel Valdes, and Michael Guynn, many cousins, many, many friends, and her beloved cat, Nikko.
Nancy grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and attended Colby College in Maine. After graduation she returned to D.C.and held several positions with radio and television stations, including CBS. She moved to Lewiston, Maine and did daily live broadcasts for a local FM radio station. Nancy then pursued a career in New York City and worked for CBS and ABC. She eventually landed a job with Time-Life as a journalist/researcher for copious books and articles. She had a long, satisfying career that included much travel and research which fed her keen intellect.
She was a voracious international and domestic traveler and was always ready for the next adventure. Much of her personal life was devoted to Unitarian Universalist congregations: All Souls Unitarian in New York City, then First Unitarian Church of Brooklyn. She founded groups, held leadership roles and participated fully in church social life. She met her Life Partner, Tex Ratcliff, at church.
Social Action was a constant thread in Nancy's life and she was very involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's. Tex was transferred by his employer, Reynolds Tobacco Company, to Atlanta in the 1980's and they purchased a lovely home in Doraville, GA. They also joined the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett. Finding precious few journalism jobs in Atlanta, Nancy shifted gears and received a two year degree in Landscape Management from DeKalb College. She used her landscape and gardening skills for the new church building and continued social action, especially in the areas of protesting the death penalty and immigration issues.
Nancy was known for her multi-faceted, sparking personality, her curious mind and her love of life. She was an explorer and delighted in spontaneously driving down a new road to see what she would find. She met death with grace and courage as one more new experience in the cycle of life.
A Memorial Service of celebration will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 2 pm. Donations in her memory may be made in lieu of flowers to either the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett (12 Bethesda Church Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30044) or CrossRoads Hospice (1957 Lakeside Pkwy, Tucker, GA 30084). The family also invites you to share online memories and condolences at www.wagesandsons.com.
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I have done Nancy’s hair for
Many years and loved her every minute. I will miss her
So sorry about the passing of Nancy. May you be comforted by the many wonderful memories you have of her. May God hold you in His loving arms, and give you peace.
Nancy had such a vibrant spirit. Although I’m not sure why, she always reminded me of my mother. Maybe it was her laugh, which was throaty and whole-hearted. Although I knew her for years at UUCG and also saw her at various concerts and other church-related events, I’ll always remember one particular visit to her house years ago, where she made turkey sandwiches using hummus instead of mayonnaise. It was sort of an “aha!” moment. Afterwards, I watched her load up the dishwasher and she taught me to put all the forks, spoons, and knives together. I’ve been doing it that way ever since and never fail to remember her when I do. I remember so many times we spent together and so many deep subjects we talked about, but sometimes it’s the little details that really stick with us. I loved the way she did everything with gusto. I believe we live on through all the people we’ve touched during our lives and Nancy definitely touched my heart in profound ways.