Barbara Abbott Jacobsen

Barbara Joan Jacobsen, 94, of Salt Lake City, passed away on 08/18/2026 at Intermountain Medical Center. Barbara was born on 01/12/1932 at LDS Hospital to Robert and Alta Abbott. She was their first daughter, later joined by her brother, Robert 3 years later. Barbara grew up in Salt Lake until 4th Grade when she moved with the family to the San Francisco Bay Area due to her father being in the Reserves when WWII began. Barbara recounted her days living in San Francisco as some of the happiest times of her life, making lifelong friends and experiencing remarkable events like the first ever United Nations parade.

Returning to Salt Lake City for high school, she filled her time as a member of Job’s Daughters making more lifelong friendships and eventually attaining the prestigious title of Honoured Queen. While balancing her roles, she took her first dance class and developed what would become a lifelong passion. Upon graduating from high school, Barbara attended the University of Utah focusing her studies on early childhood education to become a teacher. It was during this time that after persistence from friends, she finally agreed to meet her future husband.

Barbara and Jake’s journey started once their mutual friends successfully set them up on a blind date after Jake had returned from naval service. They quickly fell in love, and 3 years later in 1954 were wed in Barbara’s Delta Delta Delta sorority house. A year later in 1955, the couple purchased their forever home. In 1956, they started building their family with their firstborn son, Bill. Then in 1959, added Tom to the fray. They completed the family with Annie in 1965.

Barbara was a teacher for 4th Grade at East Millcreek, Canyon Rim, and Holladay Elementary School. She was fair and intentional in her teaching which led to many students recognizing her for decades after. In 1964, Barbara temporarily left her teaching position to help her husband Jake start his business Jake’s Automotive Supply. After returning to education for a brief time, she left again and settled into taking care of her family. For 13 years, Barbara balanced raising her children at home with caregiving for her mother, ensuring everyone was always taken care of. Barbara was an active member in the LDS church, becoming what felt like family to many, and was well-known for her casserole creations – her children being the initial test subjects.

Through it all, Barbara and Jake nurtured deeply valued relationships with family, friends, and each other, building a community rooted in love, kindness, and support. Their 70 years of marriage were filled with shared memories, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Because of their shared love for others, their house quickly evolved into a centralized hub that was welcome to all. Whether hosting friends who dropped by for a quick chat or taking in family members in need of a helping hand, Barbara loved and embraced every opportunity to entertain and care for others. Naturally for her, this meant ensuring absolutely everyone was well-fed, and family pets were no exception.

Barbara was known to be quick to smile, ready to listen, and on occasion give those in need a piece of her mind. A lover of cooking and dance, Barbara would spend hours poring over cookbooks for her next meal idea while the Food Network or Dancing with the Stars was playing in the background. Yet, Barbara was most excited whenever her house was filled with her children and grandchildren gathering around to share stories and laughter. Her spirit was magnetic and she had a laugh that brightened any room. Barbara had a rare gift for making everyone in her presence feel truly seen, valued, and deeply loved. We are privileged to have experienced such boundless love she gave so freely, and the warmth she brought into our world is something we will never lose.

Barbara is survived by her children, William Jacobsen (Lucy) of New Mexico, Melodie (wife of late son, Tom) of Sandy, UT, and Ann Jacobsen (Lea) of Millcreek, UT; her brother Robert (Gail) Abbott; and her cherished grandchildren: Richard, Christina (Christian), Monique (Adam), Christopher “CJ” (Sara), Michael (Kristen), and Barbara “Bobbie” Jacobsen. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Liam, Maya, Lily, and Axel. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Alta and Robert Abbott, her husband Wilford “Jake" Jacobsen, and her son Tom Jacobsen.

For those who wish to attend, a viewing will be held on Friday, September 25th, 2026, at 6:00PM at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT. A graveside service will be held the following day, Saturday, September 26th, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park with a Celebration of Life to follow.