Our darling mother, Donna Mae Jacobsen (nee Edison), age 92, passed away at peace on March 10, 2025,
in Miami, Florida. Born on August 10, 1932 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Donna, "Iowa's Child", her favorite poem,
lived a life marked by resilience, determination and quiet strength. Donna pursued her passion for education early in life, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. Her commitment to learning continued throughout her life; she later earned a master's degree in special education from Governor's State University in suburban Chicagoland. Following graduation, she was an Adjunct Professor at the University for many years. Later she continued her love for education and children as a substitute teacher in south suburban Chicago school districts. Her academic achievements reflected her lifetime commitment to education of teachers and children alike. Donna began her retail career humbly as a part-time clerk at Marshall Field & Co. on State Street in Chicago, then one of the most iconic luxury department stores in the World. Through hard work and determination, she rose through the ranks to become the Lead Buyer for fine perfumes for all Marshall
Field & Co. store locations. She had and very much enjoyed the opportunity to hobnob with the Who's Who fashion industry titans & designers in New York, Paris and London. Often, she would share stories with her family about the trips she took, people she met, places she traveled and the events she attended. Faith played an important role throughout Donna's life. Raised in the Methodist tradition, she later embraced the Baptist Church after marrying into a family with deep Baptist roots. Her husband's father was a renowned Baptist minister who traveled the circuit. She became an active member of the First Baptist Church located in Park Forest, IL. In later years, she returned to the Methodist Church, reconnecting with the spiritual foundations of her youth. In her spare time, she donated time to her church and to the food pantries in Illinois and Florida. Donna found joy and creativity in scrapbooking and gardening- two hobbies that allowed her to express herself creatively and preserve her cherished memories. Her scrapbooks were filled with carefully curated moments that told stories of family gatherings, travels and life's milestones. Her all-important garden in Park Forest was a place of serenity. There she nurtured her plants and had thoughtful reflections about her life and dreams for her family. Additionally, NCAA basketball was her other springtime passion. Her March brackets were highly sought after by those that knew her basketball acumen including her son-in-law. She was ever generous with her love and commitment to her family and dear friends. She is lovingly remembered by Lewis and Gerda Jacobsen; Paul and Janet Rogers; David, Kelsey and Lily Rogers; Bill and Patti Edison; Brian and Val Edison; Joan VanNyhuis; Nancy Edison Singleton; Pam Edison Washko; Molly Edison and numerous Grand nieces and nephews. Their lives were touched by Donna's grace and will continue to be shaped by the legacy she leaves behind. Donna was preceded in death by Donald and Helen Edison; Richard and Marie Edison; Robert and Jane Edison; Lewis Jacobsen III; and June Edison Criswell. A private celebration of life is planned in the Florida Keys with her immediate family. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and serve as a lasting reminder of a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Big Pine United Methodist Church 280 Key Deer Blvd. Big Pine Key, FL. 33043 305.872.2470