Mary Ellen Jacobi

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Jacobi, age 64 on September 11, 2025 in Tampa, Florida after a three year fight with ovarian cancer. She was born on December 29, 1960 in St. Louis, Missouri, the same birthday as her maternal grandmother, Ella Godfrey. She enjoyed her childhood spent with many cousins including summer vacations at the Lake of the Ozarks.

She attended Catholic grade school and The Franciscan Academy in Syracuse, New York. She was extremely proud of her acceptance at the United States Military Academy at West Point, much to the surprise of her family. She transferred from the Academy to the University of Notre Dame majoring in Economics and U.S. History graduating in 1983. Eventually, she moved to Northern Virginia and began her career in writing and interpreting defense contracts.

Mary Ellen was blessed with intelligence, determination, inner strength and a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed every aspect of life with her friends and family. She was an avid reader, cook, baker; enjoyed travel, puzzles, sports, movies and politics. Mary Ellen had a great passion for pet rescue and volunteered at several organizations. The multitude of dogs she rescued over the years brought such positive energy for both her and them. She retired in November 2021 and moved to Tampa, Florida in April 2022.

Mary Ellen was proceeded in death by her parents, Thomas H. Jacobi and Dolores T. (Godfrey) Jacobi. She is survived by her brother, Thomas F. (Karen) Jacobi of Naples, Florida and nephews, Thomas H. (Allison) Jacobi II of Omaha, Nebraska and John F. Jacobi of St. Louis, Missouri.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate her life will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, Tampa, Florida on November 14, 2025 at 10am. Family to receive friends starting at 9:30am. Her ashes will be in interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society or Healing Hearts Animal Rescue of Amissville, Virginia or the Forever Home Rescue Foundation of Chantilly, Virginia would be appreciated.