Obituary of Janet "Dianne" Jacobs

J. Dianne Jacobs (nee Booth)

Dianne, a resident of Chatham, formerly of Erie Beach, passed away on Sunday, January 27th at the age of 69, following a courageous one and a half year battle with cancer. Born in Chatham, Dianne was the eldest daughter of the late Bob and Joan Booth (nee Goodfellow). Survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Don and two daughters Deb (Jan Chauvin) and Donna Jacobs. Loving "Grandma Jacobs" to Xavier and Phoenix Chauvin. Survived by her sisters Jane Rivers (Joe), Pat Dawson (Paul), Berta Prelaz (Ed) and Cathy Lucchitti (Lou). Predeceased by her brother Dave Booth (Sandi). Dianne will surely be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, past colleagues and friends.

After marrying Don in 1973, Dianne farmed alongside him (4DFarms) for 27 years in Raleigh Township. Dianne had a successful career in the Engineering department at Bell Canada, retiring in 2002. She also worked at various part-time jobs including Northern Reflections, Riverview Bingo Palace and Elections Canada. In her younger years Dianne also worked for CFCO (Federation of Agriculture announcer), Sears, Welcome Wagon, Dekalb and Upper Canada Casinos.

Everyone who knew Dianne knew her feisty nature, her fierce loyalty to her family and community and that she loved to keep busy. Back in the early 1980’s, she served as Secretary and Treasurer for CRAW (Citizens Rebelling Against Waste). When her daughters were young she taught Sunday School at Cedar Springs United Church and volunteered at Harwich Raleigh Public School. Dianne canvassed annually for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She coordinated many golfing events for various leagues at Blenheim Community Golf Course. She was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Active Lifestyle Centre and Charing Cross United Church. She held the position of Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers from 2004 until 2019. Throughout her life, Dianne had a passion for and took great pride in her immaculate and colourful gardens. In her recent years Dianne loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren, reading, golfing and playing cards.

Dianne's family would like to thank nurse Monica Faubert (Bayshore Home Health) as well as the Oncology staff of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the London Regional Hospital for their compassionate care, especially Dr. Clendenning, Dr. Sullivan, Dr. Fisher and Dr. Vincent.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Charing Cross United Church from  1 - 3 p.m. for all family and friends who wish to attend. In memory of Dianne, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Arthritis Society or Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON