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Janis Jacobson

Janis Jacobson

Janis Jacobson, a longtime resident of Denver who worked as a special education teacher, passed away in Greenwood Village on Sept. 7, 2021 after a two-year battle with leukemia. Funeral services took place Sept. 10 at the Hebrew Educational Alliance with burial at Emanuel Cemetery.

Janis Sue Lavenhar was born Feb. 8, 1953 in Plainfield, NJ to Arthur Josef and Gladys Edith (née Schwartz). According to her family, “she made many close friends in her hometown, some of whom she remained in touch with throughout her life. She was a high school cheerleader and enjoyed playing sports, particularly neighborhood baseball.”

Mrs. Jacobson graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. with a BA in education in 1975. She had an 18-year career in special education. She earned a Master’s of Education from Boston University in 1976 and a Master’s of Education Administration from DU in 1982.

She moved to Colorado in 1976, inspired by the lyrics of John Denver, and lived in Durango and Dillion before moving to the Denver area. She married James Jacobson on Aug. 11, 1985 in Plainfield, NJ.

“She particularly appreciated her ongoing courses in Judaism and traveled to Israel on multiple instances with Jewish groups,” Mrs. Jacobson’s family said.

She retired in 1994 to focus on raising her children. The family joined the HEA in 1999, where they were highly involved members.

Mrs. Jacobson is survived by her husband Jim Jacobson; son Josh Jacobson; daughter Jessie Levy (née Jacobson); and brother Jeff Lavenhar.

Memorial contributions may be made to the HEA or by planting a tree in Israel in her name.

Copyright © 2021 by the Intermountain Jewish News




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