Ruth C. Jacoby, 101, a lifelong Pittsfield resident died peacefully Thursday, December 17, at Berkshire Place. Born on February 10, 1914 in Pittsfield, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Katherine McGraw Cronin. Ruth was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a 1932 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She furthered her education at Bridgewater State College where she received her bachelor's degree in education in 1936. Mrs. Jacoby married the love of her life, the late Matthew K. Jacoby on July 5, 1941. "Papa" Jacoby died on March 8, 1996.
After raising her three sons, Ruth was employed for seventeen years as a teacher in the Pittsfield Public School System, starting at Williams School as a 6th grade teacher, and ending her career in 1975 at Crosby Junior High School as English department head. A communicant of St. Mark Church, Ruth was also a member of Berkshire Hills Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf. She was an accomplished piano player and played organ at St. Charles Church as a teenager. Ruth also enjoyed gardening, traveling, playing bridge, reading, and wintering in Sarasota, FL. She was an avid fan of the New England Patriots. Her greatest joy was following the school and sports activities of her sons and grandchildren. Ruth leaves three beloved sons; Matthew T. Jacoby and his wife Arline of Dalton, Philip F. Jacoby and his wife Phyllis of Powhatan, VA and Christopher G. Jacoby and his wife Paula of Pittsfield. She also leaves her six grandchildren, who fondly called her Mimi; Jenifer Tanzman, Nicole Arace, Adam P. Jacoby, Jodi Knight, Taylor Jacoby and Ryan Jacoby and ten great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her three brothers; Ed, Phil and Fran and by her sister; Helen.


FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Ruth C. Jacoby will be held Tuesday, December 22, at 9:30 AM from the DERY FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Church celebrated by the Rev. John Salatino, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday morning from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the funeral home prior to the service. The Jacoby family cordially invites friends and family to a celebration of Ruth's life to be held at Berkshire Hills Country Club on Tuesday immediately following the committal prayers at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the love and care shown to their Mimi by the staff at Berkshire Place. Memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Jacoby may be made to the Activities Fund at Berkshire Place in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.

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