Mabel Elizabeth Genz Jacobi, 96, of Sandy Hook died May 8 at Masonicare in Newtown, after a brief illness. She was born in New York City, June 28, 1917, and grew up in the Bronx on Hone Avenue. It was there that she began a lifelong friendship with Jane Seaman of Danbury. She graduated from Hunter College in 1938 and worked in New York City for nine years before marriage.

She played the piano from the age of 8 until her recent illness. Gifted with a lovely soprano voice, she was inspired at an early age to try out for the Robert Shaw Chorale. She became organist and choir director for the West Farms Reformed Church in the Bronx in the 1930s, and after moving to Sandy Hook in 1956, served as organist and choir director at the New Fairfield Congregational Church from 1958 to 1975. Mrs Jacobi then became a member of the Newtown Congregational Church, sang in the choir, and was active on the Music Committee for many years. She also loved to knit and often knitted shawls for the church as well.

Mrs Jacobi had a wonderful sense of humor and was able to laugh at herself often, even during the last few years when she realized her mind was not as sharp as it once was. She seldom passed up an opportunity to enjoy a chocolate chip cookie. For the past two years she was blessed with a wonderful caregiver, Natasha Taylor, who provided her a safe, happy, loving environment. Mrs Jacobi was herself a happy, loving, caring, and generous person.

Her son George and his wife Kristin of Mansfield, and their daughter Alianna and son Charlie of Bar Harbor, Maine, survive Mrs Jacobi. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, George, in 1995. Their 47-year marriage was filled with the love of God, family, and music.

Calling hours will be Monday, May 12, from 4 to 7 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. A memorial service will be held at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown, Saturday, May 17, at 11 am. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470.