Karen Jacoby

September 12, 2019
Karen Jacoby

My grandma, Bonnie Jacoby, was born on July 18th, 1921, at Windthorst, Saskatchewan to parents Doctor Thomas and Mazae Argue. After completing high school in Fillmore, Bonnie went on to attend Regina College and then Normal School receiving her teaching certificate. In 1940 she started teaching at Winmore rural school, south of Gainsborough, before moving to Fillmore where she taught until coming to Regina in 1943. Her next two years were spent teaching at Imperial and Albert schools.

In 1943 she met Franz, the love of her life. They were married in 1945 and lived 60 wonderful years together in Regina. They shared the happiness of their five sons, grandchildren and many wonderful experiences of travel around the world and in Canada.

Grandma had a long and active life with her greatest interest and love being her family. She was a life member of the Lakeshore Tennis Club, a member of the Regina Golf Club for over 30 years and also a member of the Caledonian Curling Club. Bonnie was a member of Lakeview United Church since 1950 where she taught Sunday School and served on various committees. The many summers of family vacations to tennis tournaments and, many years later, Christmases together in Palm Springs will be cherished by all family and friends who shared these times.

I had a great sense of loss when my Grandma began to show signs of Alzheimer’s. I did not feel that she could fully comprehend, relate to, or partake in a true experience. The integrity of her quality of life had been compromised. She never became angry or belligerent but she was no longer the person in which I could have meaningful conversations. I missed losing that connection.

Alzheimer’s is a terrible, progressive disease and donations can help fund services to help people with dementia and their caregivers while also providing research funds for treatments that will mitigate the effects of the disease and ultimately find a cure.

I also feel a responsibility to represent those affected who have lost their voice. The nature of the disease does not allow those suffering to advocate on their own behalf. We have to remember for them when others have forgotten.

Alzheimer’s is often considered a disease related to age and therefore does not receive the same immediate attention for those looking to support a cause. I would specifically like to address the public to not only bring a sense of awareness to this disease but encourage younger generations to get involved. There are so many opportunities where youth can participate in helping find a cure and create change. The work we do today can change the future we have tomorrow, and more importantly, preserve the memory of days passed.

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