Deborah Ann Jacobs-Morris

On behalf of Squamish Nation Chiefs and Council, Band Manager and Administration it is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear friend and relative Doctor Deborah Ann Joan Jacobs. Deborah was born on November 12, 1956 in Vancouver, BC and passed away peacefully on February 2, 2018. She descends from the Band / Jacob(s) and Tom / Guss Families and was 61 years young. Deborah is predeceased by her late mother Marion Jacobs and survived by her father Russell Jacobs Sr. (Chreanne). She leaves behind two daughters Damara Jacobs (Ryan) and Marion Jacobs; two brothers Russell II Jacobs (Eileen), John Jacobs (Lori) and one sister Sherrie Jacobs (Robert). Nieces and nephews Elizabeth (Brandon), Russell III (Amanda), Brian, Grant, Rachel, Hailey (James), Brodie, Rhiannon & Kyle. Also survived by Grandnieces & Grandnephews Kathleen, Genesee, Dimitri, Kamryn, Meah, Konnor, Leahm, Mason & Thomas. She will be missed by many aunts, uncles, relatives and dear friends.

Deborah grew up on Mission IR #1 and graduated from Carson Graham Senior Secondary School. She raised her daughters on Capilano IR No. 5 and mentored many students throughout her career in both her personal and professional life. Deborah had accomplished many milestones in her lifetime in 2016 she received her Doctorate Degree of Education at Simon Fraser University. She always maintained the importance of education, language and culture for not only our people but first nations across Canada. She worked 29 years for the Squamish Nation and believed in serving her people in the community not only in education but also preservation and revitalization of our traditions and culture. Dr. Jacobs took pride in being a lifelong learner and educator. A proud moment for Deborah happened in 2011 when the Squamish Language Dictionary was published. Deborah was instrumental in seeing the Dictionary be accomplished during her career at the Nation and worked closely with the Squamish Nation Elder’s Language Group, the Education staff and the University Community. She touched so many people in her 61 years with lifelong friendships and connections from local to national levels of government and First Nation’s Communities.

Her beautiful daughters, father and siblings would like to let you know that her work here is done here and she received a call from the creator and ancestors for an appointment from which she will not be returning. Her new journey takes her to a wonderful place where she will be with the ancestors watching over her loved ones with all the teachings she instilled upon them to carry on – gone but she will never be forgotten. She worked very hard all her life, up until the very end. She made a difference in the lives of many Chet Kwʼenmantúmi (We thank you).

Catholic Prayer Service 7:00 pm February 6, 2018 at St. Paul’s Indian Catholic Church, 424 West Esplanade North Vancouver

Catholic Funeral Service February 7, 2018 11 am Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 100 Capilano Road North Vancouver, BC