Funeral Details

Barbara Ross Jacobson passed away in the evening of October 21, 2025, the 29th of Tishre 5786 at age 77, surrounded by family. Barbara twice beat cancer, most recently staving off Leukemia and, thereafter, enjoyed the best years of her life, watching both her sons marry and welcoming five grandchildren over the last five years. Chiefly dedicated to her husband, Bruce, and her family, Barbara professionally and personally pursued non-profit and noteworthy causes, working in the Midwest office of Hadassah for 11 years and later founding the Campaign2SaveLives, a foundation that raised money for Leukemia research. In more recent years, she spent time as an advisor to Simply From the Heart, a charitable organization that provides glamour services for cancer patients. Most importantly, she was a revered matriarch and friend.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 24 years, Bruce Jacobson, sons Seth (Jamie) Gruen and Lee (Stephanie) Gruen, stepson Bob (Susan) Guinn and grandchildren Lauren Guinn, Melissa Guinn, Nora Sophia Gruen, Jax Ross Gruen, Connor Owen Gruen, Charlotte Eva Gruen and Olivia Molly Gruen.

Graveside service Friday, October 24, 2025, 10 AM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL. To view the livestream, please visit our website. Donations in Barbara’s honor may be made to Simply From The Heart, sftheart.org. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals-Buffalo Grove, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com