Helen Rita Jacobs

Helen Rita (McPherson) Jacobs, 90, of New Buffalo, passed away peacefully at Jordan’s Life Care Center in Bridgman, MI, Wednesday, January 8, 2014. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo, MI. Helen was born on February 11, 1923 in Michigan City, IN to the late John and Mabel (Schueberg) McPherson. On January 27, 1951 in Michigan City she was married to Jackson Jacobs; he preceded her in death on March 16, 1991. Helen and her husband worked together in their landscaping business in the Michiana area for over 40 years. Helen was a wonderful mother to her daughter, Barbara and son-in-law Mark, and was always so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was very important to her and she lovingly cared for family members that went before her. Helen was the last of the eight siblings in the McPherson family and now can rest in peace with those she loved. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her. Helen is survived by her daughter Barbara (Mark) Smith of Union Pier, MI; three grandchildren-Jeremy (Amy) Smith of North Potomac, Maryland, Jason and Nathan (Angela) Smith both of New Buffalo, MI; seven great-grandchildren- Maeve and Brennan Smith of North Potomac, Jacob and Justin Smith, Alexandria, Samantha, and Jackson Smith all of New Buffalo, MI. Also surviving are her long-term caregivers-Kathy Mitchell and Peggy Hessey. She is preceded in death by four sisters- Alice Cochran, Mildred Butler, Marie Smith and Ileen Booth, three brothers- Frank, Raymond (Mick) and Lloyd McPherson, and her first husband-Harold Gergich. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Lake Church with Father Craig Lusk officiating on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 11:00A.M.(EST). Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Visitation is at Sommereld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, on Friday, January 10, from 4:00-8:00 P.M., with a Rosary recited at 7:30 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Lake Church. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com