Barbara Wilhelmina Jacobsma

Barbara Wilhelmina Jacobsma was born June 1, 1927, in Perry, Iowa to Mildred and Louis Velman. She grew up in Iowa, along with her brother, Bill Velman. Barbara peacefully passed away in Long Beach, California on October 16, 2021, surrounded by family.

She was a brilliant woman and was determined to go to college. So much so, that she paid her own way through college by working in her parent's café in Hospers, Iowa. Barbara attended Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa, and graduated with a degree in English and Home Economics.
Her teaching career began in Ames, Iowa, and continued through her retirement when she concluded her many years of teaching at the Norwalk La Mirada School District. Taking advantage of a U.S. government opportunity, she taught four years at the Pacific Islands Central School on the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia.

On June 1, 1951, Barbara made the best decision of her life when she married Stan Jacobsma of Hospers, Iowa. They had an extraordinary relationship which could be summed up in her own words, "I had the best husband and you kids had the best father." She was right of course, and their union began what was to be an adventure and a life well-lived. Together they had five children, Rex (Karen) Jacobsma, Pam Kuiken (Jake, deceased), Kim (Laila) Jacobsma, Suzette (Douglas) Senecal, and Sherry Weismann. In addition, they had 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Barbara was a woman of many talents. She was a master educator, always providing unique learning tools for students who struggled. She was blessed with creativity and therefore a gifted seamstress, cook, and musician, playing her clarinet up to the last days of her life. Most importantly, she was a devoted wife and mother and sacrificially gave all that she could to provide a home filled with love, faith, and good old common sense. On a very tight budget she made every birthday and holiday magical.

Barbara was an adventurous woman and in 1964 she was instrumental in moving the family to the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia. That four-year stay proved to be some of the most remarkable and rewarding years of life for the entire family. Over her lifetime she traveled along with her husband to many countries in Europe, China, Egypt, Israel, Amsterdam, and several islands in Micronesia. She also took many trips within the USA, visiting all 50 states. The last state, Alaska, was visited on an "all girls" trip with her daughters and daughters-in-law.

Because she was lovingly cared for by her daughter and son-in-law, Suzette and Douglas Senecal, for the last years of her life, we were able to share her for 94 years, four months, and 16 days until she entered peacefully through the gates of heaven. Barbara leaves behind a legacy that will be treasured and remembered for generations to come and we will miss her.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a long-time favorite charity of Stan and Barb, The Way Out Ministries, would be appreciated. www.TheWayOut.org 22427 Norwalk Blvd. Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716 (562)429-2397