IJ Morris at Star of David Cemetery of the Palm Beaches
9321 Memorial Park Road, West Palm Beach, FL
OBITUARY
Barbara H. Jacobowitz
June 25, 1958 – July 7, 2019
Barbara H. Jacobowitz, 61, of Royal Palm Beach, Florida passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019. Barbara was born June 25, 1958 in Brooklyn, New York to Selwyn and Leona Kurta. She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Dr. Irwin Jacobowitz; daughter, Melissa Jacobowitz; son Joshua Jacobowitz; sister Pamela (Paul) Bierman; nieces Jacqueline and Haley Bierman. Barbara has been very involved in community and institution-specific health prevention, promotion and treatment activities as a professional and volunteer advocate for numerous diseases. Her bachelor’s degree is in Political Science from the State University System in Stony Brook, New York and her Master of Science degree is in Public Health, with a concentration in Administration and Planning from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Over the past 30+ years residing in Florida, Barbara has been the Planning and Development Coordinator for Hospice By The Sea; Director of Planning at the Palm Beach County Health and Human Services Planning Association; Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Health Council for 15 years; and currently serves as the Health Services Administration University Department Chair at Keiser University. Barbara is a founding member of the Palm Beach County Diabetes Coalition and currently serves as the Chair on the Diabetes Coalition Board of Directors, and Chair of the Data and Resources Committee. She was the 2010-2011 Chair of the Florida Alliance for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Palm Healthcare Foundation, where she currently is the Secretary of the Board, and had been a member of the Community Investment Committee for seventeen years. Barbara is a 2018 Heroes in Medicine awardee and has served over 30 years as a member and past Chair of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee on Health and Human Services for the Palm Beach County Commission. Funeral Services and Burial will be held 2:30pm, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at IJ MORRIS AT STAR OF DAVID CEMETERY OF THE PALM BEACHES, 9321 Memorial Park Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33412 561-627-2277. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be offered to the Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County www.diabetescoalitionpbc.org
DONATIONS
- Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County
Services
- Funeral Service Wednesday, July 10, 2019
- Committal Service Wednesday, July 10, 2019
- Reception Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Memories
Barbara H. Jacobowitz
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCindy Holloway
July 13, 2019
Barbers, is one of those rare people that comes into your life like a butterfly so beautiful so inspirational. She touched my life in a way that, when she walked through the door no matter what was going on a smile would immediately appear on my face. I will miss her dearly. My love and prayers go to her family. Forever changed because of meeting one beautiful soul love Cindy
Rebecca Cohen
July 13, 2019
I will never forget Barbara. It was something more than 30 years ago when I was working on a certificate of need for a nursing care facility. Barbara was in charge of the planning entity that would determine the outcome of this application. When I called to ask her questions, she became my mentor. She was knowledgeable, and she was caring. She was everything we wish human service planning executives would be.
I worked with her again on the Ryan White Grant. Again, Barbara was even-handed, loving, and completely professional.
Although I have been out of the Palm Beach County nonprofit world for many years, Barbara has remained a superstar for me. There are very few people I remember with such immense respect. I will continue to revere her memory, and I share in the sadness of her loss. Rebecca Taylor Cohen
Andres Torrens
July 11, 2019
I will always remember Barbara quite fondly. I don’t know what will happen when I go to the next gathering involving fighting for the rights of the uninsured or underinsured, and those that are marginalized that Barbara fought so hard for, and don’t see her in the room. I guess it will mean that we will have to fight harder as she would want us to do. Barbara, we will all miss you, especially your husband and kids. I send you all lots of energy to help you through this very difficult time and hope and pray that your pain overtime will ease. Peace .
Tanoy Williams
July 10, 2019
Irwin, Melissa and Josh, I am praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time. Know that your wife, your mother, will always be with you. I truly believe this with all my heart.
Sincerely,
Tanoy Williams
Larry Brendler
July 10, 2019
I am so glad I got to know Barbara, whom I met through my wife Belinda. She was always so kind to us, and so interesting, and just a pleasure to be with. I will always miss her, and think of her. I only regret we didn't get together as much as I would have liked.
Maura Plante
July 9, 2019
This amazing woman inspired me. Barbara Jacobowitz was a tour-de-force, from the first meeting we met, she knew and I did we would do something special together, so we did. We created the “Food is Medicine” program feeding 100 diabetic patients back to well. Inspired, shaped, measured and informed by Barbara. I miss you my friend and my teacher. I’m sad the world will not quite right without you in it.
To Irwin, her daughter and her son, so sorry for your loss too soon. You three were her everything. She would brighten up and pure glow when she told me stories of you & your times together. Love on high beam.
Thank you Barbara, love you.
Maura
Belinda Brendler
July 9, 2019
Remembering all the laughs and luncheons we had together makes me smile and fills my heart with love ❤️ When a person like Barbara is kind to others and gives generously in all aspects of her life it inspires others to do the same. The memories I have of how she touched my life and my family 's will forever live in my heart .I know she's watching us all from above and smiling😇
Charles Wade
July 9, 2019
Dear Josh and family, I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Tanya McConnell
July 9, 2019
Irwin and family, my heart goes out to you at this sad time.
Mark Tomlinson
July 9, 2019
Dear Irwin, Melissa and Joshua
I wanted to let you know that you are in the prayers of many at this sad time and to express my condolence to your entire Family.
God Bless
Mark Tomlinson
Louis LaHue
July 8, 2019
So sorry to hear of Barbara's passing .......known her since the 90's when we served together on the Care Council.... She gave all to the Charities that she worked for and demanded we do the same .
I talked to Bob Bytnar today and he was taken back like I was.
RIP Barbara.......
Linda Macapayag
July 8, 2019
My heart breaks for your husband, Melissa and Joshua. I know they love you dearly and will miss you eternally. I think the first time I met Barbara was when I decided to host a little surprise birthday party for Josh. He has always been such a good friend to my niece, Amanda, and son, Miles - I just wanted to do something special for him. Even though it was Irwin and Barbara's anniversary and they had plans, they made a point to stop by for a while to celebrate with us. I already knew that Irwin was a great man, but I loved meeting and chatting with Barbara and seeing how much each loved the other. I admired Barbara and her accomplishments and am so very sorry she got called away too young. What a wonderful soul! So glad to have met you!
Nikasha Wells
July 8, 2019
Irwin and the entire Jacobowitz Family:
Barbara was as genuine a soul as there ever was and I am praying fervently for the peace and comfort of your family at this very difficult time. Irwin, the entire Palm Tran team is thinking of you and we are wrapping our arms around you.
Nikasha M. Wells
Palm Beach County
Paula Triana
July 8, 2019
Dear Irwin and Family:
We pray the love of God enfolds each of you during this difficult time. May all the love that surrounds your family give you all strength to move forward day by day.
I will miss Barbara; however, I been privileged and blessed to have known her in the past years.
Blessings always ~ Paula Triana & Family
Shannon Quillen
July 8, 2019
So many memories Barbara Jacobowitz, my daughter calls you Aunt Barbara. We love you. I am beside myself that I won't see you again.
My love and prayers go out to Barbara's family, please let me know if I can do anything at all. I will pray without ceasing! Love you so much!
Kathy Ahearn
July 7, 2019
My dear sweet friend Barbara, today Irwin called me with the unbelievable news. I am walking in circles, not comprehending. We were going to retire together next June and enjoy lazy lunches together. We didn’t make it. While i am so grateful for the time we did have again., i wanted more. I will miss your brilliance, kindness, persistence and smile. We will be there for Irwin always. Josh and Melissa, your mom was loved. She will live always in you. With deep sympathy, sadness and love.