New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“Joan K. Jacobs, wife of New Bedford native and Qualcomm founder Dr. Irwin Jacobs, passed away this week. Dr. and Mrs. Jacobs love New Bedford, and their philanthropy has benefitted cultural institutions and public education in the City for years. Mayor Jon Mitchell offered this statement on Mrs. Jacobs’ passing:
“New Bedford lost a dear friend this week with the passing of Joan Jacobs. Joan came to love her husband Irwin’s hometown. She and Irwin gave generously to numerous causes in New Bedford, especially to support public education and the city’s cultural institutions. For more than 20 years, their annual visit back to New Bedford to bestow scholarships upon high achieving high school students became a much-anticipated event, one that reflected the depth of their generosity and commitment to social mobility.
Throughout her life, Joan set a sterling example of strength, integrity, and optimism, which inspired more people than she could ever have possibly known. New Bedford is grateful for her legacy here, which will continue to pay dividends for years to come. I offer my sincere condolences to Irwin and the entire Jacobs family.-City of New Bedford.
