Dorothy Mae (Philips) Jacobs

Dorothy M. (Philips) Jacobs

Dorothy Mae Jacobs, 96, of Elizabethtown, PA, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Lancaster General Hospital. She was the wife of the late Bernard C. “Ace” Jacobs for 61 years until his passing in 1999.

Born in East Berlin, Adams County, she was the daughter of the late Paul J. and Sadie Oberlander Philips. A 1937 graduate of Elizabethtown High School, Dorothy was a garment worker in town until retirement, when she and “Ace” traveled to see historical places.

Dorothy’s independent spirit and giving heart have been an inspiration to many. She was an active member of Christ Church United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, where she volunteered, enjoyed Women’s Fellowship, and had helped with the newsletter. She was an active member of the Historical Society of Elizabethtown and a long-time local election worker.

She loved her home -- built by her late husband, an electrician, with the help of a carpenter -- where they raised their beloved daughter and where Dorothy resided until the time of her passing. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, cherishing and displaying old photographs, dishes, artifacts and family heirlooms. She was known for putting just the right touch on her applesauce, frozen peaches, pumpkin pie and so very much more.

An avid reader, she appreciated the written word. No day was complete for Dorothy without the challenge of word puzzles in the daily Lancaster newspaper. With a competitive wit and ready smile, she loved playing card, word and board games with family and friends. A life-long learner, she took courses in history and spirituality offered through Elizabethtown College and her church and could be quickly engaged in discussing a good book or debating a historical perspective.

She had a keen sense of fashion and enjoyed shopping for clothing for herself and family, particularly while traveling with her beloved daughter to Myrtle Beach, SC, where exploring the seafood restaurants and shops was a favored pastime.

Family was important to Dorothy, and she engaged with enthusiasm in the lives and activities of the young people -- her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces -- of whom she was so proud.

She is survived by her daughter Shirley wife of the late George F. Curry Jr. of Lancaster, three grand-children, Sherry wife of D. Scott Bunting of East Earl, Denise wife of Christopher Henkel of Lancaster, Michael E. Curry of York, daughter-in-law Amy Arale Curry of York, nine great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, with a fifth on the way, and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. Pre-deceased in addition to her husband and parents are brothers Jesse Philips of Baltimore, MD and Paul Junior Phillips of Thomasville.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 247 S. Market St., Elizabethtown, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be after the service at Mt. Tunnel Cemetery, Elizabethtown. Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 N. Market St., Elizabethtown. To send the family online condolences, please visit www.millerfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made made in her loving memory to Christ Church United Church of Christ, please add Youth Programs in the memo line.