Ann Reva Jacobson

Ann attended Jamaica High School in Queens and graduated from Hunter College—Park Avenue in New York, NY, in 1957. Education remained a guiding value throughout her life, reflected not only in her own studies but in the care and purpose she brought to her work as a teacher.

Ann lived in New York before spending 11 years in Puerto Rico as a teacher (and mother). During those years, her devotion to Jewish community life found lasting expression as she became one of the founders of synagogue Temple Beth Shalom in San Juan. In 1974, she moved to Houston, Texas, where she built a life marked by steady commitment—to family, to community, and to the friendships that sustained her.

In Houston, Ann worked as a Travel Agent (and agency owner) and later as a bilingual teacher, including at Hartman Middle School. She was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel, and she gave generously of her time through NCJW and Hadassah. Service was not an occasional undertaking for Ann; it was a defining thread. She helped found the Head Start children’s program in Houston, and through her work in NCJW, she was one of the founders of AVDA, the Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse program. A lifetime member of Hadassah, Ann also served as past president of NCJW Greater Houston Branch (1978–80).

Ann’s life was enriched by wide interests and a lively spirit. A world traveler with a deep appreciation for theater and music, she also found joy in Havarah, an online Yiddish Group, Mahjongg, and the simple, sustaining comfort of Family Zoom calls. She was known for having a great sense of humor and for being ready, always, to go out for a good meal with friends.

Above all, Ann is remembered as a great mother to her children and grandchildren. She was the mother of Reid Jacobson & his wife Jennifer Jacobson and Elena Ashen & her husband David Ashen. She was the wonderful “Dita” to her grandchildren Kenna Ashen, Aris Ashen, Jesse Ashen, and Talia Jacobson. Ann was the much-loved sister-in-Law to Susan Weisman and Elizabeth Levine, and Great Aunt to Lisa Salzman, Janet Nahirny, Billy Levine, and Katie Van Brunt. She also leaves many cousins and extensive family throughout New York and California, including Meixler, Schifrin and Herman families.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Sherwood Weisman.

An Informal Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at Earthman-Bellaire, 4525 Bissonnet St., Texas 77401, on October 25, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. We understand there is a scheduling conflict within the community, but we hope this gathering offers an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate Ann’s life and memory.

A Graveside Service will be held at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden, 1101 Antoine Dr, Houston, TX 77055, US, on October 25, 2026, at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hadassah (https://donate.hadassah.org/secure/donate-hadassah?ms=donatenavgivetoday) or Jewish Family Service (https://www.alexanderjfs.org/donate) in loving memory of Ann Reva.