Phone: 207-985-2752
In Memory of
Rita Simard
Jacob (Simard)
Jacob (Simard)
1931 - 2020
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Bibber Memorial Chapel
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>
Obituary for Rita Simard Jacob (Simard)
Rita Simard Jacob, 89 years, of Kennebunk Beach, died Sunday, November 29, 2020 at her home on Great Hill Road in the loving care of her family.
Rita was born April 14, 1931 in Quebec City, Canada, a daughter of Celestin and Yvonne (De Rochefort) Simard. She attended le Collège Jésus-Marie and Laval University, and later worked for Canadian Pacific Airways in Toronto, where she met Leonard Jacob, Jr. They were married on September 28, 1956 in Carmel, California, and together they followed Len’s employment across the world.
The couple embraced each new adventure, culture and people they met, living in the Philippines, Mexico, France, the United States, Guinea, Suriname and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Along the way, they had five children born in three different countries. Rita’s Canadian heritage, along with the children having grown up in French-speaking countries, led to French becoming the first language for the family.
In these early years, the family spent 12 wonderful summers in Old Black Point, Connecticut, where they developed lifelong friendships and memories. Rita was known for the international charm and class she brought to OBP each summer. She was, most importantly, the very best Mom, always creating the most warm and welcoming home on the Point for the children and their friends.
In 1981, Rita and Len settled in Kennebunk Beach, Maine. The home became the family compound that Rita cherished and shared with so many friends and family over the years. Great Hill, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, has been a beacon for the children and for so many others. The home speaks of the warmth and the love that came from Rita.
Rita loved to entertain. She enjoyed planning, organizing and hosting her friends, family, neighbors, and the community. In her travels and wherever she lived, she was always the matriarch, the most respected and remarkable hostess. She was Madame Jacob. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed breaking out the finest china and silver, whether for large company functions held at La Ratatouille in Guinea, West Africa, or for hot dogs and Coca-Cola on the back deck in Kennebunk Beach. More than anything else, Rita treasured her family and loved spending time with her many grandchildren and her nieces and nephews visiting from Canada and beyond.
Rita is lovingly remembered by her husband of 64 years, Leonard; her daughter Sara and Sara’s husband, Claudio, of Johannesburg, South Africa; four sons: Leonard Jacob, III of Kennebunk, William Jacob and his wife, Martha, of Westport, MA, Robert Jacob of Scarborough, ME, and Peter Scott Jacob of Kennebunk; seven grandchildren, Julia, Malcolm, Alessandra, William, Noelle, Samuel and Nicholas; and her brother, Yves Simard, and his wife Rebecca, of Quebec, Canada.
Tante Rita is also remembered deeply and affectionately by her niece, Michelle Labadie, and her entire family; and her nephews, William deVry (Simard), Francois Gauvreau and Jacques Archambault.
Rita Simard Jacob was predeceased by five siblings, including Claude Simard, Huguette Gauvreau, Fernand Simard, Pierre Simard, and her closest sister and best friend, Louise Archambault.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be postponed until friends and family may gather safely.
Rita was born April 14, 1931 in Quebec City, Canada, a daughter of Celestin and Yvonne (De Rochefort) Simard. She attended le Collège Jésus-Marie and Laval University, and later worked for Canadian Pacific Airways in Toronto, where she met Leonard Jacob, Jr. They were married on September 28, 1956 in Carmel, California, and together they followed Len’s employment across the world.
The couple embraced each new adventure, culture and people they met, living in the Philippines, Mexico, France, the United States, Guinea, Suriname and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Along the way, they had five children born in three different countries. Rita’s Canadian heritage, along with the children having grown up in French-speaking countries, led to French becoming the first language for the family.
In these early years, the family spent 12 wonderful summers in Old Black Point, Connecticut, where they developed lifelong friendships and memories. Rita was known for the international charm and class she brought to OBP each summer. She was, most importantly, the very best Mom, always creating the most warm and welcoming home on the Point for the children and their friends.
In 1981, Rita and Len settled in Kennebunk Beach, Maine. The home became the family compound that Rita cherished and shared with so many friends and family over the years. Great Hill, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, has been a beacon for the children and for so many others. The home speaks of the warmth and the love that came from Rita.
Rita loved to entertain. She enjoyed planning, organizing and hosting her friends, family, neighbors, and the community. In her travels and wherever she lived, she was always the matriarch, the most respected and remarkable hostess. She was Madame Jacob. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed breaking out the finest china and silver, whether for large company functions held at La Ratatouille in Guinea, West Africa, or for hot dogs and Coca-Cola on the back deck in Kennebunk Beach. More than anything else, Rita treasured her family and loved spending time with her many grandchildren and her nieces and nephews visiting from Canada and beyond.
Rita is lovingly remembered by her husband of 64 years, Leonard; her daughter Sara and Sara’s husband, Claudio, of Johannesburg, South Africa; four sons: Leonard Jacob, III of Kennebunk, William Jacob and his wife, Martha, of Westport, MA, Robert Jacob of Scarborough, ME, and Peter Scott Jacob of Kennebunk; seven grandchildren, Julia, Malcolm, Alessandra, William, Noelle, Samuel and Nicholas; and her brother, Yves Simard, and his wife Rebecca, of Quebec, Canada.
Tante Rita is also remembered deeply and affectionately by her niece, Michelle Labadie, and her entire family; and her nephews, William deVry (Simard), Francois Gauvreau and Jacques Archambault.
Rita Simard Jacob was predeceased by five siblings, including Claude Simard, Huguette Gauvreau, Fernand Simard, Pierre Simard, and her closest sister and best friend, Louise Archambault.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will be postponed until friends and family may gather safely.