Marilyn Jacobs

Marilyn Jacobs passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a brief illness on Saturday Nov 16th, 2019. Lyn was born in Pretoria, South Africa on Dec 30th, 1934. She married Alan Jacobs in Johannesburg on August 1st, 1959. They spent their first years of marriage in England where Marilyn worked as a Librarian while Alan completed his PH. D at Oxford University. Then they moved to the US where Alan worked at the University of Illinois and Lyn stayed home to raise their children. The family moved to Nairobi, Kenya where Alan taught at the University of Nairobi and did field work studying the Maasai tribe. Lyn was no stranger to taking 3 kids out into the bush for month long safaris and loved her time in Nairobi. Lyn moved back to Kalamazoo, MI with her family in 1974. She worked as a librarian for Kalamazoo Public Schools for many years but still managed to travel the world. Lyn loved the experiences of exploring new places and meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. Giving generously of her time, energy and wisdom, Lyn was very active in many different organizations and a strong supporter of social justice issues. She loved animals, theatre, movies, books, her church and, most of all, her family. Lyn lived life to the fullest; she had no regrets and no excuses for anything she did. She will be missed by all who knew her. Lyn was preceded in death by her husband Alan who died in 2010. She leaves behind 3 children David Jacobs (Kathy) of Indianapolis, Lisa Keb (Schoolcraft) and Joanna Stringer (Jacksonville Fl) as well as six grandchildren. Christopher Jacobs, Gabrielle Keb, Ian and Eric Jacobs and Max and Alex Stringer. A church service will take place Thursday November 21st at 4:00 p.m. at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church located at 247 W Lovell St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 with a celebration of life taking place afterwards at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society or Doctors without Borders. Cremation has taken place per her wishes. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. (269)679-5622.