Sarah Irene Jacoby, born in 1945, was called home to glory on Sunday evening May 15th at the VNA Respite House in Williston VT. Sarah was a resident of South Hero where during her life time she was an active member of the Rescue Squad, a member of the Town Select Board for 14 years, and an active member of the South Hero Congregational Church. Sarah first came to South Hero before she was a year old, on vacation with her family, and has been a part of the community ever since.
Sarah received an associate's degree from Vermont College, and bachelor's degree in Social Work from George Williams College. She spent most of her adult life working with children and adolescents. After college she worked in a professional capacity for YMCAs in Marietta, Ohio, Camden, Maine and Burlington, Vermont. Her South Hero Rescue training gave her the experience to go to Barrow, Alaska for nine years giving leadership to Rescue Operations in the North Slope Borough. Sarah returned to South Hero and for a short time was co-proprietor of the South Hero General Store. At this time she was also a primary care giver for her parents who retired to South Hero. Her career path then took her back to working with adolescents. She was a counselor for the Eckert Foundation Youth Camp in Southern Vermont, then as a Social Worker for Beckett Family Services of New England, and her most recent position with the Easter Seals Society of Northern New England, where she was a Case Worker.
Sarah was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when she was in her 40s. She was determined to not let the disease define her life. She was a significant role model for many as she did the 50 mile MS Challenge Walk on Cape Cod for the last 14 years, and encouraged family and friends to also participate in this special fund raising event for MS Research. Sarah was predeceased by her mother and father, Raymond and Myrtle Jacoby, her sister-in law Muriel Jacoby, nephew Hank Jacoby and niece Lynn's spouse Mary Doyle. She is survived by three brothers: Walter and wife Joan of Penney Farms, FL; Roger and wife Anne of Chambersburg, PA; Raymond of South Hero, VT; her long-time friend and house-mate Susanna Jaeger. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Sue, Peter, Russell, Lynne, Laura and Randall Jacoby, Gail Orser, Linda Rhoades, Margie Steiner, Nancy Aman, and their families and many close family friends, who have all had a very special relationship with "Aunt Sal".
A Memorial service will be held at the South Hero Congregational Church on South Street in South Hero, on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 4 PM, with a pot luck supper to follow (at Sarah's request).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National MS Society by sponsoring the MS Action Heroes team that will walk in memory of Sarah at the MS Challenge Walk on the Cape, this September. Donate on line at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/msactionheroes, or write checks to NMSS, Challenge Walk and mail c/o Bob Buerman, 21 Richards Road, South Hero, VT 05486.
Or donate to the South Hero Congregational Church. Make checks to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund. South Hero Congregational Church, P.O. Box 99, 24 South Street, South Hero, VT 05486. Or donate on-line at: www.southherocongregationalchurch.org, hit the Donation button and then Pastor's Discretionary Fund. These funds will give assistance to people in need on the Islands.