Mary "Libby" Jacobs

In Loving Memory of Mary “Libby” Jacobs

May 31, 1947 – January 6, 2026

Mary “Libby” Jacobs lived a life guided by imagination, compassion, brilliance, and quiet generosity. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Libby brought beauty into the world through her devotion to family, her extraordinary creative gifts, and her lifelong commitment to serving others—always with humility, grace, and a deep sense of purpose.

Libby and her husband lived in Michigan, Maryland, and spent 35 of their years in Akron, Ohio, treasured summers on Cape Cod, and later made her home in Pittsburgh. Wherever she lived, she brought her beautiful heart, created meaning, and left places better than she found them.

She was the beloved wife of John F. Jacobs, Jr., her partner in life and love for 55 years. Libby especially cherished tandem biking with Jack, traveling the world or hanging out with their family, cheering on the Boston Celtics, and peaceful days by the sea. Her heart remained deeply connected to him following his passing last January, and their enduring love continues to inspire all who knew them.

Family was always first for Libby. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Shellie Hipsky; her son, John F. Jacobs, III and his wife Johanna Jacobs; her sister, Gay Lynn Miller; and her beloved grandchildren, Alyssa Hipsky and Jacob Hipsky, who were a constant source of pride and joy. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and guiding presence whose wisdom and warmth will be deeply missed.

Libby’s creative spirit was central to who she was. An accomplished theatre director, playwright, author, and educator, she held a master’s degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in theatre from the University of Michigan. Her work reached prestigious stages across the country, including Lincoln Center in New York City, as well as productions in Cleveland, Boston, and Valdez, Alaska. Libby was an entrancing stage actress who brought to life characters on the stage. She served for seven years as managing and artistic director of the Coach House Theatre in Akron, she was the director at Weathervane Theater, and was the founding force behind Actors’ and Playwrights’ Theatre, where she passionately championed original works and emerging voices.

Her artistry extended beyond the stage. Libby collaborated with chamber music groups, contributed to WKSU’s live production of War of the Worlds, and was a musician who played the piano, flute, and violin. She authored the acclaimed short story collection WOLF NOTE, praised for its emotional depth and insight into the human condition, and later shared her gift for storytelling in her debut novel, Sea Sonata. To know Libby was to know someone who listened deeply to the world and reflected it back with empathy, intelligence, and heart.

Libby (was also affectionately referred to as “Moo” by some who loved her) was also a fearless community activist and humanitarian. In the 1980s, she volunteered her time and heart to help create Micah House, providing dignity and care for adults living with HIV and AIDS at a time when compassion was urgently needed and often withheld. She was a generous benefactor to many charitable causes, including the Global Sisterhood 501(c)(3). True to her nature, Libby always gave quietly and humbly, believing that the most meaningful generosity asks for no recognition.

Mary “Libby” Jacobs leaves behind a legacy of creativity, integrity, courage, and love. Her words, her work, and her generosity will continue to resonate in theatres, books, communities, and lives touched by her compassion. She showed us that art can heal, that standing up for what is right matters, and that a life well lived is one rooted in empathy, imagination, and devotion to family.

She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Global Sisterhood at (GlobalSisterhoodOnline.org) or your favorite charity in Libby Jacobs’ memory, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping those who are in need.

A Celebration of Life in her honor will be held on Jan. 10th at 2pm in the Theater Room at Ridgecrest Cranberry Woods. If you would like to send condolences or RSVP, please feel free to email: shelliehipsky@gmail.com.

Services entrusted to the Turner-Hyde Funeral Home located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.