Geraldine Jacobs

Jerri Jacobs, 67, passed away April 15 at her home in Yakima after a brief illness. Jerri was born in Trenton, NJ, and attended California (PA) State College. She met her future husband Bill in 1967, and they were married in 1972. They moved a number of times as Bill pursued a career in the food processing industry. In 1983 her son was diagnosed with autism and Jerri’s life was turned upside down overnight. Jerri set out to educate herself as best she could about this strange disorder (not much was known about it in those days) in order to make her son’s life as rich as possible. This led to her finding her true calling, which was to advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families. After moving to Yakima in 1987, Jerri worked with the Yakima School District to set up the district’s first individualized education program specifically designed for autism. She became an expert on special education, and provided help to many parents who were attempting to navigate the complex system of services for DD families. In 1992 she was elected to the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America, and served as the editor of ASA’s news magazine, The Advocate. Jerri also became involved in state politics, and spent many days in Olympia while the legislature was in session, advocating for legislation that would make life better for DD individuals and their families. Jerri is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Jill, Granddaughter Abigail, son Seth, and niece Tesia (Cody) Brown, all of Yakima, and her brother Tony (Bonnie) Swanic of Las Vegas. Also brother-in-law Bruce (Peggy) Jacobs of Center Barnstead, NH, nieces Kerry Jacobs of Brooklyn, NY, Molly (Lisa) Jacobs of Westminster, MD, and nephews Chris (Marina) Swanic of Las Vegas, Matthew Swanic of Las Vegas and Dan (Britney) Jacobs of Brooklyn, NY. A celebration of Jerri’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Yakima on Saturday, May 14 at 11am. All who knew Jerri are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jerri’s memory to the Autism Society of America or the ARC of Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Geraldine Jacobs, please visit our flower store.