Nancy Gail Jacoby

Nancy Jacoby, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother (Nana J), aunt, friend, and neighbor passed away on April 16, 2025. She was 91. She was surrounded by family members and in all of our thoughts.

Nancy is predeceased by her eldest son, Patrick Charles (Lynn) Jacoby and brother Edward (Jean-also deceased) Kimmel. She is survived by husband, Frederick Jacoby; three remaining children, Michael Jacoby, Terry (Wendy) Jacoby, and Kimberly (Michael) Kaplan; grandchildren Peter Jacoby, Nicholas Jacoby, Clarie Jacoby, Teri Grace Jacoby, Conor (Victoria) Jacoby, Jack DeJarnett, and Jason Kaplan; nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

Nancy was valedictorian at Charlotte High School (1952). She got her associates degree from Keuka College (1954). She married Frederick Jacoby on July 7, 1956 and raised her four children as a stay-at-home mom until she returned to college (SUNY Brockport) where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in 1975, then later earned her teaching certificate.

Nancy began her teaching career as an English substitute teacher in the Rochester area, but eventually taught classes for seven years at the Sawyer (renamed Stratford) Business School in downtown Rochester. Nancy loved teaching.

Nancy and Fred moved from Greece, New York to Hamlin, New York, in 1981. They moved from Hamlin to Vero Beach, Florida in 1989. They lived in Florida for six years before moving to Temecula, California. Finally, in 2000, they moved to Simi Valley, California. Her survivors believe that in each of these homes something of Nancy still survives to this day…in the gardens. Nancy was an exceptional gardener. Roses led the way…but any purple flower was also held in high regard.

Nancy made the most of a long, full life. She had a big heart, and she spread love in a variety of ways. Her survivors will miss her laugh, her cooking (her unbelievable apple pie as well as the famous birthday chocolate cake), and definitely her generosity.

Nancy walked on painful legs for the last few years of her life. Her survivors are grateful that there is no more pain.

Our grief with her passing is lessened only by our cherished memories of her. She cared deeply for people who crossed her path, and was loved by everyone from New York to Florida to California who knew her well.

Nancy is now at peace. Still, she will be missed.

A celebration of life will take place on July 26, 2025 at 11:30am at Ridge Road Cemetery in Rochester, New York. Memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) can be made in Nancy’s name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or to Teach for America.