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Mary A. Jacobs (nee Rogers), age 75, of Oxford, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on July 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 28, 1950, in Agana Heights, Guam, to Cleveland G. Rogers and Nancy (nee Bryant) Rogers, Mary spent most of her life in Oxford, Ohio. In recent years, she embraced city life and thrived in downtown Cincinnati, making the most of every moment with joy and adventure.
A proud graduate of Talawanda High School, Class of 1968, Mary married her high school sweetheart, Carey L. Jacobs. Together, they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2013.
Mary was passionate about education and dedicated her life to uplifting children and advocating for their future. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Miami University in just two and a half years and went on to receive her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Xavier University. Mary began her professional journey with the Hamilton City School District in 1984 and retired in 2009 after serving as a principal at both Jefferson and Pierce Elementary Schools. She also made her mark as an elected member of the Talawanda City School Board in 1980 and was honored with an invitation to the International Women’s Leadership Conference at the University of Oxford in London, England.
An adventurous spirit, Mary loved to travel—whether abroad or across the country. From Ireland to China, Hawaii to Alaska, and San Francisco to Florida, she collected memories and friendships wherever she went. She was always ready for her next journey, whether it was a cruise, a road trip, or a big move—like leaving her 22-acre homestead for the vibrancy of downtown living.
Mary is survived by her four devoted children: Carey (Melissa) Jacobs of Batesville, IN; Melissa Patrick of Hamilton, OH; Sarah (David) Burdette of Oxford, OH; and Rebecca (Matt) Gneuhs of Mason, OH.
She was a loving and proud grandmother to Nick Jacobs, David Patrick, Kayla (China) Trerotola, Mike Jacobs, Daniel (Skyler) Burdette, Katrina Burdette, Benjamin Irwin, Isabell Irwin, Sam Gneuhs, and Caroline Gneuhs. Her heart was full with the arrival of her first great-grandson, Billy, who brought her immense joy over the past year.
She is also survived by her devoted friend and longtime companion, John Saluke of Dayton, OH, with whom she shared years of travel, laughter, and unwavering companionship.
Mary leaves behind her sister, Martha (Danny) Singleton of Apex, NC; her brother, Matthew Ziegler of Hamilton, OH; cherished nieces and nephews; the extended Saluke family; and many dear friends who were like family to her.
Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Carey L. Jacobs; her parents, Nancy (Calvin) Ziegler and Cleveland G. Rogers; and her son-in-law, Scott Patrick.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Tahir Latif of the University of Cincinnati Blood Cancer Healing Center, the compassionate team at Heritagespring of West Chester, and the staff at Hospice of Southwest Ohio for their kindness and dedicated care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mary’s memory be made to one of the causes she held dear:
Huntington’s Disease Society of America
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains
The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center’s Blood Cancer Healing Center
Mary’s life was one of strength, service, and spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary's Church in Oxford at 9:00am on Thursday, July 24, 2025 followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Interment at Oxford Cemetery to follow.
The family will receive guests following the burial until 3:00 pm at 4038 Hamilton Richmond Rd. Oxford, Ohio 45056.
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