Diane M. Jacobson

Diane M. Jacobson, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Born on February 13, 1947, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Diane was the loving daughter of the late Paul and Valeria (Delgallo) Morrissey. She was the devoted wife of Stephen Jacobson for nearly 56 years.

Diane grew up in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. She attended Penn State University, and graduated in 1969 with a major in English. Diane and Steve married on April 26, 1969. After a short time at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, where Steve was stationed in the Army, Diane and Steve moved to Rhode Island, the place they called home for the rest of their lives.

Once settled in Rhode Island, Diane began teaching high school English. After three years of teaching, she left the workforce to focus on raising her two children. When her children were mostly grown, Diane went back to school at the University of Rhode Island where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1988. Diane went on to work at a number of private psychiatric offices, providing mental health and substance abuse services to Rhode Island's most vulnerable population.

A voracious reader with a voice like an angel, Diane spent her life providing wisdom and guidance to family and friends that continually sought her advice. She was a kind and gentle listener, who provided reassurance and support when those around her needed it most. Recently, Diane delighted in following the adventures of her six grandchildren - showing unconditional and unwavering support in all their endeavors. Patient, kind, and loving, Diane set the example of what it meant to be a wife, mother, and nana. She will be missed beyond words.

In addition to her husband, Diane is survived by her son Patrick Jacobson and wife Tonya of Charlestown, Rhode Island, and daughter Meghan Bancroft and husband Chris of Austin, Texas and Matunuck, Rhode Island. Diane is also survived by her six grandchildren, Bridget and Andrew Jacobson, and Christopher, Madeleine, Jacob, and Connor Bancroft.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 13th, from 5-7 pm at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, 02879. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 14th, at 12 pm at St. Romuald Chapel, 61 Atlantic Avenue, South Kingstown, 02879. Burial will take place at 2 pm at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rhode Island PBS.