San Diego Mourns Passing of Beloved Philanthropist Joan Jacobs

The wife of Irwin Jacobs, co-founder of Qualcomm, is honored for her devotion to the arts and other causes. The couple’s name adorns buildings across the city.

Hundreds attend a tribute to Joan Jacobs at the Rady Shell in Jacobs Park on May 13, 2024. Jie Yang/The Epoch Times

In San Diego’s Marina District on Monday, on a gray day typical for the region in May, more than 600 people gathered for 2 hours before the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park to celebrate the life of beloved local philanthropist Joan Jacobs. She passed away last week at the age of 91.

Hugs, tears, and laughter filled the memorial as Mrs. Jacobs was remembered for her “unwavering commitment to make the world a better place.” The first speakers were Jacobs’ four sons–Gary, Hal, Paul, and Jeff–with their wives at their side. Fourteen grandchildren stood side by side on stage while some of them remembered their grandmother.