Elizabeth ("Libby") Hart Jacobs, 70, died May 4, 2024 in hospice care at Mount Joy, PA after a courageous 7-month struggle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer that she memorably labeled "the uninvited guest." Her loving and admiring husband of 46 years, Kenneth L. Jacobs, survives her.

Elizabeth was born in Elkhart, IN on May 4, 1954, and raised by parents Richard Hart (who died in 1976) and Jeanette Hart (who died in 2021). Elizabeth attended the American School of Manila, Philippines (where her father served as an administrator in the late1960's), Elkhart High School, the University of Madrid, and Purdue University (B.A., 1977). Elizabeth's older sister, Barbara Hart Snell (of Three Rivers, MI) also survives her.

Elizabeth was employed as a bilingual (Spanish) teacher in Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan, assisting Ken during law school and his early career. But she understood her most significant role as a devoted and involved mother of children Rachel and Rebecca, actively participating in their education by volunteering at their schools and home-schooling them while bringing the family on Ken's lengthy business trips abroad. Rachel is now a clinical child psychologist (husband Aron) in Bridgman, MI, and Rebecca is a nurse practitioner (husband Michael; children Elizabeth, Catherine, and Isaac) in the Chicago area. Elizabeth saw them all as her life's greatest achievement and source of pride.

Elizabeth also will be remembered for her deep love of God, the Holy Scriptures, and the hymns of the faith, as well as her passion for foreign languages and world cultures. Raised in the Disciples of Christ denomination, she became active in various churches in the areas of global missions, small group spiritual formation, and (as a Presbyterian deacon) ministry to the homebound. Described by a close friend as a "missionary without portfolio," she made 14 relief trips to Mexico, Central and South America, which included Spanish translation duties.

Late in life she took up the French language, studying at Millersville University and traveling often to France and Quebec.

Elizabeth devoted herself to women's charitable, patriotic, and historical societies, including the Junior League, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Daughters of 1812, and Daughters of the American Colonists (DAC). She often led projects to honor and assist current U.S. military veterans, whose patriotism and service she greatly admired.

A descendant of sheep farmers, Elizabeth enthusiastically supported the Farm Restoration Project of the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Lancaster. Thanks to her recent efforts, the farm now features the live sights and sounds of sheep along with other farm animals.

Elizabeth's funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 11 AM at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Ave., Lancaster, with the Rev. Misty Wintsch and Matthew Kramer officiating. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately following the service. Private interment will take place at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elizabeth's memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.