News Summary
Joan Jacobs, a prominent philanthropist in San Diego, has passed away at the age of 91 due to heart failure related to cardiac amyloidosis. Her granddaughter, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, confirmed the news. Jacobs, alongside her husband Irwin, was a significant benefactor to local organizations, contributing hundreds of millions to causes like the San Diego Symphony and UC San Diego. Throughout her life, she received numerous accolades for her philanthropy. A public celebration of life is planned, emphasizing her enduring impact on the community and her dedication to supporting various local initiatives.
San Diego – Joan Jacobs, a well-respected philanthropist in San Diego, has died at the age of 91 due to heart failure resulting from cardiac amyloidosis, a diagnosis she received in December 2019. Her passing was confirmed by her granddaughter, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, leaving behind a profound legacy of generosity in the San Diego community.
Joan Jacobs, along with her husband, Irwin Jacobs, co-founder of Qualcomm, significantly contributed to local causes and institutions, donating hundreds of millions of dollars throughout their philanthropic career. Their contributions have had a lasting positive impact on various organizations, including the San Diego Symphony, UC San Diego, and the San Diego Central Library, among others.
The Jacobs family notably pledged $120 million to the San Diego Symphony in 2002. They also made historic donations of $100 million each to both the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego and the Jacobs Medical Center, which opened its doors in 2016. Joan Jacobs’ philanthropic efforts extended across a range of fields, significantly enriching the cultural and educational landscape of San Diego.
Early Life and Education
Joan Jacobs was born Joan Klein on January 17, 1933, in New York City. She had a background in dietetics and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1954. It was at Cornell where she met Irwin Jacobs, who later became a key figure in the technology sector.
The couple moved to San Diego in 1966 after Irwin accepted a position at UC San Diego. In 1968, they built a family home in La Jolla, where they resided for many years. Together, they raised four sons: Gary, Hal, Paul, and Jeff, and cherished their role as grandparents to 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Legacy and Community Impact
In addition to her philanthropic achievements, Joan Jacobs was known for her unwavering dedication to her family and community. Her granddaughter, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, released a statement emphasizing the profound influence Joan had on her life, highlighting her commitment to supporting personal growth and urging everyone to strive for their best selves.
Prominent figures in the San Diego community, including Mayor Todd Gloria and UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla, have expressed their condolences and recognized the significant impact Joan Jacobs had on the region and its residents. Her work in philanthropy has left an indelible mark on various institutions and initiatives that uphold the welfare of the community.
Public Celebration of Life
A public celebration of life is scheduled for May 13 at 11 a.m. at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to several organizations, including the San Diego Symphony, Jewish Family Service, San Diego Food Bank, La Jolla Playhouse, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center.
Joan Jacobs’ legacy as a philanthropist and community leader will continue to inspire others to contribute positively to society, ensuring that her spirit of generosity and commitment to the community lives on beyond her years.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Joan Jacobs Remembered
- NBC San Diego: Joan Jacobs Passes Away
- LA Times: Chronicle of Philanthropy
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- San Diego Magazine: Joan and Irwin Jacobs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
