Obituary of Florence Jacobs

Florence Jacobs passed peacefully on June 23, 2021. She shared 101 years of love and generosity with everyone she met. Private arrangements were held under the direction of the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville. Donations in her memory may be made to the good work of the Anti-Defamation League by way www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please share your memories here. Florence's family will cherish them.

Born in New York, Florence grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn and, in the late 1950s, settled in Jackson Heights, Queens. She had a long career in the garment industry, culminating with her role as Office Manager at Sam Elias & Co., a dress manufacturer.  In addition to her responsibilities at the company's home office, she flew to its factories in New England to make sure everything was in order.  In many ways Florence was a pioneer in the industry, serving as an inspiration and role model for other women seeking to advance in a male-dominated field.

In her younger years, Florence and her big brother George enjoyed hosting parties at their Brooklyn home. Their sister Lenore recalls a time when she was 9 years old and Florence was 18.  Lenore eavesdropped on one of the parties by peeking through a keyhole in an adjoining room.  Neither Florence nor George knew.

There was an understated aura of elegance and class about Florence.  She loved New York and all it could offer.  Broadway musicals were a particular passion, and she loved sharing her enjoyment with her family.  She was confident and feisty, yet endearing and sweet.  And she loved to walk.  "I come from a family of walkers," she explained recently.  "I walk all over the place."  When Florence walked those many miles around New York City, her attire was fashionable and her shoes were high-heeled.

Florence was a good sister to George and Lenore and was devoted to her niece, nephews, and, later, grandnephews and grandniece. She enjoyed taking the nephews on the train to Broadway shows and musicals -- a wonderful introduction to theater.  Niece Janet was provided generously with dresses made by Florence's company, which they both had fun choosing. 

Family was the most important thing to Florence. She loved to reminisce about earlier times when everyone lived nearby and got together regularly for meals and card games. She avoided the sun but came happily to visit family living in Florida, joining in gamely on beach outings and fishing. 

Although we are saddened by her passing, we celebrate Florence's full and diverse life and are grateful for all she shared with us.  She leaves beautiful memories to her sister Lenore Lewis (Bob Adams); her niece Janet Lewis Wong (Art); her nephews Donald Jacobs (Karen Mack) and Jack Lewis; and many dear extended family members and friends. Her brother George Jacobs and her nephew Robert Jacobs passed previously.