Irene Banks Jacobs, 98, loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully January 12, 2021. She was the youngest of five siblings growing up in Norfolk, Virginia. Irene met her husband, Lt. Col. Joe Jacobs on a blind date, December 23, 1945 and they were married March 21, 1946. The couple moved to Dallas where Joe’s family lived and made a loving home together, raising two children, for 63 years until Joe’s death. Irene had a “green thumb” and enjoyed giving cuttings to her many cherished friends and family members. She was the #1 fan of Joe and his lifelong passion for tennis and enjoyed having his tennis friends over often. She was close to her late sister, Leona Malach, and loved Leona’s artwork that has always been displayed proudly throughout Irene and Joe’s home.
Irene was a life-long member of Temple Emanu-El Dallas. She had many friends. She enjoyed playing bridge, going to the Symphony, seeing Broadway Shows and the Dallas Summer Musicals and loved being around people. She loved her neighbors and always enjoyed them dropping by. Most of all, she loved her family and extended family and welcomed them into her home frequently.
She is survived by children Dennis and wife, Beth Ann Jacobs of Dallas; Susan Jacobs and wife, Lori Tollerud of Dallas; grandchildren Scott Jacobs of Aspen; Matt and Jacque Jacobs of Dallas; nieces and nephews Sandi and Marshall Levy of Gaithersburg, MD; Marc and Kristi Banks of Chesapeake, VA; Abbie Neary of Norfolk, VA; Edward Mirmelstein of Newport News, VA; Bob and Kathy Jacobs of Katy, TX.; Beverly and Alan Frieden of Virginia Beach, VA.; and Ellen Eisenberg of Hampton, VA. Irene loved her many cousins that remained close to her throughout her life. Preceded in death by her husband, Joe Jacobs; parents, Mary and L.W. Banks of Norfolk, VA; brothers Adolph and Julian Banks of Norfolk; sister Grace Banks Mirmelstein of Newport News, VA; and sister Leona Banks Malach of Dallas.
Many thanks to her caregivers for their loving care and friendship. A special thanks to beloved next-door neighbors Marion and Gerald Ruley who were always there for she and Joe, to companion Linda Goodman and to her loving caregivers: Lycee, Rose, Gemma and Judy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Emanu-el of Dallas or Visiting Nurses Association of Texas Hospice VNATEXAS.org. A graveside service will be held for immediate family at Temple Emanu-El Cemetery Dallas.
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