Obituary of Sr. Brigid Jacobs, OSF
Sister Brigid Jacobs, OSF, was born into eternal life at the age of 89 on October 19, 2025, after 68 years as a Sister of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. She enjoyed reading, teaching, connecting with people, serving on boards, working for justice, building peace and all things Franciscan.
Born February 26, 1936, in Freeport, Illinois, Sister Brigid (Norma Jean) was the only child of the late Robert and Ruth (Lahre) Jacobs. She attended St. Joseph Elementary School (1950) and Aquin High School (1954) in Freeport, Illinois. After leaving Freeport to join the Joliet Franciscans, Sister Brigid attended the College of St. Francis from which she received a BA (1963) with a major in sociology and a MA (1971) with a major in theology.
Sister Brigid began her ministry in education teaching primary grades in Columbus, Mansfield, and Shelby, Ohio. Returning to Illinois in 1962, she taught upper grades at St. Rita, Aurora; St. Pascal, Chicago; St. Mary, Des Plaines; and St. Ann, Lansing. From 1968-1979, she taught eighth grade and was the Director of Religious Education at St. Pius X, Lombard. Returning to the Joliet area (1979-1984), Sister Brigid became the Director of on-going Formation for the Congregation and was stationed at the Motherhouse. For a short time (1984-1988), she was the Senior Guidance Counselor at St. Francis Academy where she helped students with college admission and career preparation.
Sister Brigid was elected Councilor/Office of Spirituality (1989-1992) for the Joliet Franciscans. As a member of the Governing Board, she directed the offices of continuing education and peace and justice. Completing her term, she returned to her Alma Mater (1992-1994) the College of St. Francis, where she served as the Coordinator of Franciscan Affairs. It was at this time Sister Brigid became involved with the Franciscan Federation, both regionally and nationally, as chairwoman and national board member. After eight years on the national board (1991-1998), Sister Brigid decided to take her organizational skills to the Wheaton Franciscans of Illinois. She enjoyed her ministry (1995-2005) as archivist for the congregation, collecting, organizing and preserving historical records.
Sister Brigid used her gifts to form connections between people. She served as Business Manager for AIDS Ministry of Illinois; she volunteered in DuPage County and Will County; she served on many non-profit boards; she was an active member of Pax Christi and Call to Action. When Sister Brigid retired at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Community and later moved to Story Point-Romeoville, she found ways to be present and motivate people. Sister Brigid will be fondly remembered by her family, friends, students, colleagues and residents, as one who used her administrative and organizational skills to make the world a better place to call home.
Visitation for Sister Brigid Jacobs, OSF will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Additional Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 North Hickory Street, Joliet, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. A Sharing of Memories will take place after the Mass in the Church. Interment will follow privately at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Brigid Jacobs or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60435.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
