June 3 1952 November 18 2022
Obituary Please share a memory of Deborah to include in a keepsake book for family and friends. View Tribute Book Deborah Ann Greene-Jacobi (Deb) was born on Tuesday, June 3, 1952, and passed away peacefully on Friday, November 18, 2022. Born in Chicago to Joan and Richard Greene, an only girl among four brothers, Deb’s zest and passion for life, and her quest of discovery, was apparent at a young age. Moving to California when she was four, the family found joy in the Los Angeles of that romantic age, when all in life seemed possible and getting to Disneyland meant driving through groves of orange trees. The raw beauty of the wild mountains of northwest Idaho also called to the Greene family, and they would eventually go on to spend their summers together in their home on Williams Lake. It was up in Idaho that Deb developed her deep appreciation for the natural world that she would carry with her for the rest of her life. Spending her freshman year at San Diego State, she soon realized there were other, much more beautiful possibilities. A transfer to Sonoma State turned out to be one of her most monumental decisions as she would call Sonoma County home through all the coming years. Deb found her passion and her life’s work in education. Deeply inspired by the simple idea “Be the change you want to see in the world,” over the course of 30 years Deb became a pillar of Sonoma’s educational community, co-founding and leading New Horizon School & Learning Center, a school focused on assisting students with unique educational needs and a range of learning differences. A trusted advisor to colleagues of all kinds for many years, she also worked and taught at the Santa Rosa Junior College where her love for her work changed the lives around her. In the early 80’s, Deb was introduced to a handsome, spunky urban planner – Rob Jacobi – and love quickly took over. The two married in 1985, had daughter Kaitlin in 1987, and the family eventually sank their roots in the Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg, raising their girl among Zinfandel vineyards and a procession of cherished golden retrievers. She also found joy at their family home in Hanalei on the north shore of Kauai and relished time there regularly with Rob and Kaitlin. Deb transitioned from her career in 2007, finding a new calling as a wilderness guide leading rite of passage programs designed to guide those going through crossroads moments. She also continued her work with youth, becoming a volunteer chef with the Ceres Community Project where she thrived and found friendship in youthful souls. Deb went through an initial bout with cancer nine years ago. “I choose life!” she said fiercely in response to the first diagnosis, a choice which paid off well, but a recurrence presented itself in 2021. Deb fought hard and gracefully, living every day with love, dignity and gratitude right until she was taken. Deb was a truly extraordinary woman with a truly extraordinary impact on the world. Deb is survived by her beloved daughter Kaitlin Jacobi, rock-solid son-in-law Evan Spanogians, and noble canine Jakie Boy; brother Richard Greene and wife Celeste; brother Michael Greene and wife Alice; brother David Greene; nieces Becky Greene, Amy Killingsworth, and Joanna Faltys; nephews Nathaniel Greene and Adam Greene; members of the Jacobi family spread across the globe; and colleagues and lifelong friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rob Jacobi, and brother, Jeffrey Greene. A private celebration of Deb’s life will be held for family and close friends at a later date. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Deborah, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree. Read more
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Deborah Greene-Jacobi June 3 1952 November 18 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Dayton, state: Ohio