Katherine Murphy Jacobs

Katherine “Kathie” M. Jacobs, 81, formerly of Eatontown, NJ departed this life peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday November 5, 2021 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA.

Kathie was born on June 5, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA, the second daughter of William E. Murphy Jr and Elizabeth B. Winterer. She graduated from Brooklyn Park High School, Brooklyn Park, MD in 1958 and the College of Notre Dame of Maryland majoring in vocal music in 1962.

Upon graduation from college, Kathie accepted a position as music teacher for the Fairfield, ME school system. It was there that she met her future husband, Stephen L. Jacobs. They married on August 10, 1963 and were married for 58 years.

Her husband’s job necessitated a move to Dale City, VA in 1966. While living there she began a career of vocal music, first with the Woodbridge (VA) Community Choir and soon singing for weddings and funerals at local parishes.

In 1975 the family moved again, this time to Eatontown, NJ where her husband worked at Fort Monmouth. It was here that her involvement in vocal music expanded. She became the choir director for the Protestant Choir at the Post Chapel and eventually director for the Catholic Choir as well. She held these positions until the Post Chapel was decommissioned in June 2011. Kathie was also a guest soloist at many churches of various denominations in the area.

Kathie also began a long and happy relationship with the Choraliers of Eatontown in 1975. She joined this adult singing group almost immediately upon settling in Eatontown and in 1985 became the group’s director. She remained with them in this capacity until health issues forced her to retire in 2017. Of her many friends she made through the Choraliers her dearest was Renette Vincelette with whom she kept in almost daily contact until her last days at home.

In the fall of 1983, Kathie began teaching at St. Mary Catholic Elementary School (later Pope John XXIII) in Deal, NJ. She taught music to all grades pre-K through 8 as well as supervised the school library. She loved all the children, and they loved her in return. She ended her teaching career by retiring in 2009 when the school closed.

Kathie believed in and truly lived the adage “he who sings prays twice.” She took great joy in providing comfort to those grieving at funerals and adding to the happiness of those participating in wedding ceremonies.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children: Stephen William (Erin) of Dacula, GA, Kenneth Edward (Michalina) of Lumberton, NJ, and Elizabeth Barbara (Rod) of Stafford, VA. She was predeceased by her son Robert Anthony (Alice) in 2018. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Alexandra, Kenneth, Tara, Haley, William, Katherine, Matthew, Nicholas, Samantha, and Zachary.

A mass celebrating Kathie’s life will be held on Thursday November 11 at 4pm at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Fredericksburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in honor of Kathie.

Online condolences may be made at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/stafford-va/Kathie-jacobs-10433772.