Obituary
It is with such deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Janice (Jan) Marie Jacob (nee Martin) peacefully in her 71st year on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Geraldton, Ontario, while holding her cherished son, Joel’s hand.
She is predeceased by her husband Isaiah Jacob, her daughter Alicia Jacob along with her two grandchildren Talon and Naziah Jacob, her parents Elton and Leah Martin. She is survived by her son, Joel Jacob (JoAnn) and 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Many find memories are cherished by her siblings Elvin Martin (Connie), Sallie Gingrich, Bert Martin (Carol) Anna Metzger(John), Ruth Martin (Murray), Joyce Gingrich (Vern), Elly Moyers (Randy) Paul Martin (Pat), Rick Martin (Leona), Kathy Martin. Many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews will also miss her. Along with many family in Webequie, Ontario.
Jan was a kind and giving person -always putting others before herself, especially those she loved and cared about. She wanted to be a teacher, and a teacher she became. Jan graduated from Elmira High School (EDSS) and went on to graduate from Stratford Teachers College in 1970.
Jan was given the opportunity to teach Indigenous children and accepted her first teaching assignment at Georgina Island on Lake Simcoe in September 1970. Four years later she accepted her next assignment and moved to Webequie in Northern Ontario, where she met her husband Isaiah. Several years later Jan and Isaiah moved to Nakina, Ontario where they raised their family and built a family camp on Lower Twin lakes. Prior to leaving Webequie Jan accepted a position to teach in Nakina and until her retirement she continued to follow her life long dream of teaching. For some of those years she served as principal at the same school.
Jan was an inspired teacher and passed her excitement about learning along to her students who, as well as their parents,admired her. Throughout her entire career Jan enjoyed her work and her students. She was an engaged teacher, always trying to figure out how to help kids learn and strive to be the best they can be. She has touched many lives through her teaching career, and the memories of her success for sure will be told by all that impacted.
Jan loved being in nature, she would spend as much time as she could at her camp. She was an adventure and enthusiast in all aspects of life, embracing those she loved into her antics, one being bringing her best friend Millie to Mexico for her daughters wedding! The indigenous culture was very close to Jan’s heart and she took pride in all her knowledge and shared it with those she loved, she felt the teachings given to her by the Elders was a special gift that should not be taken for granted.
Jan’s wishes to be cremated have been honoured and a Celebration of her life will be planned for a later date. Thank you to all who loved and cared for Jan throughout her illness. Prior to her passing Jan expressed much appreciation for the time and support given by her friends and family. Joel (and JoAnn) want to extend their gratitude for those who have also assisted Jan, who have reached out to assist in planning and for all the thoughts and kind words, especially Webequie First Nation and The Sunshine Club Nakina.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in Jan’s name towards schoolBOX North. schoolbox.ca/north
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Janice Jacob July 14 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Geraldton, Province: Ontario