Joan Jacobs Obituary, Death Philanthropic Icon and San Diego Community Leader Joan Jacobs Passes Away at 91, Leaving a Legacy of Transformative Cultural, Scientific, and Educational Contributions”
Joan Jacobs, a renowned philanthropist and community activist, passed away on Monday at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of transformative contributions to San Diego’s cultural, scientific, and educational landscapes. Her granddaughter, Rep. Sara Jacobs, announced her death on Tuesday, attributing it to heart failure following a diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis in December 2019.
Joan Jacobs, along with her husband Irwin, was a 70-year resident of San Diego and played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s cultural and scientific identity. Irwin Jacobs co-founded Qualcomm, and the couple donated hundreds of millions to local NGOs and institutions, including UCSD, the San Diego Symphony, the Central Library, La Jolla Playhouse, MoCA San Diego, and the Salk Institute.
La Jolla Playhouse executive director Debby Buchholz remembered Joan Jacobs as an active and important board member who provided not only financial support but also her time and expertise. Jacobs received numerous honors for her philanthropic work, including the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, Cornell University’s Helen Bull Vandervort Alumni Achievement Award, and Americans for the Arts’ Philanthropy in the Arts Award.
Born in Upper Manhattan, Jacobs attended Barnard School for Girls and later earned her BS from Cornell’s College of Human Ecology in 1954. She married Irwin Jacobs in her senior year at Cornell and later moved to La Jolla in 1968, where they lived for decades.
UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla remembered Joan Jacobs’ kindness and generosity, citing an instance where she ordered thousands of napkins for the Geisel House because she believed the existing ones were not nice enough. Khosla praised the Jacobses for their selflessness and sense of responsibility to society, which he had not seen in anyone else.
UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering Dean Albert P. Pisano recalled how Joan Jacobs substituted for her husband during his annual student lecture, incorporating arts into the work of fellows and researchers. Pisano also mentioned that the Jacobses would invite students to yearly local performances, including symphony, theater, or other cultural events.
SDSO Jacobs Music Center CEO Martha Gilmer remembered the Jacobses as a common sight at performances, enjoying themselves and supporting the orchestra more than any other two people have supported a cultural institution in the country. Jacobs once said that she and her husband gave 75% of their donations to San Diego NGOs because they loved living in the city.
Joan Jacobs is survived by her husband Irwin, children Gary, Hal, Paul, and Jeff, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A public memorial will be held at Jacobs Park Rady Shell on Monday at 11 a.m. The family prefers donations to the San Diego Symphony, Jewish Family Service, San Diego Food Bank, La Jolla Playhouse, Museum of Contemporary Art, or Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in lieu of flowers.
Joan Jacobs’ legacy extends far beyond her philanthropic contributions, as she inspired countless individuals to embrace their passions and make a positive impact on their community. Her dedication to the arts, education, and science has left an indelible mark on San Diego, and her memory will continue to inspire future generations.
In conclusion, Joan Jacobs’ passing marks the end of an era in San Diego’s philanthropic and cultural landscape. Her tireless efforts to support and uplift the community have left a lasting impact, and her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to make a difference in the world.
