Lidell (Flanigan) Jacobson

Lidell Jacobson, 64, was surrounded by her family when she passed away at home in Goodyear, AZ on February 11, 2017. After a valiant six month battle with pancreatic cancer, Lidell joined her parents Russell and Mary (Gilbert) Flanigan and brother Robert. She was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 19th, 1952 and graduated from Glenn Rock High School in 1970. Lidell went on to passionately pursue a lifelong love of reading and teaching. In 1974, she earned Summa Cum Laude honors with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Trenton State College in New Jersey. In 1978, Lidell met the love of her life, Gary Jacobson, a PGA Tour golfer, and married in 1979. While raising their new family in Minnesota, she achieved ACE certification as a fitness instructor, traveled the U.S. for many years teaching and certifying new instructors, and choreographed hundreds of aerobic routines for every fitness level. In 1993, the honor of membership in Pi Lambda Theta was conferred upon her and in 1994, Lidell earned her Masters Degree in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas, where she began her career as a Special Education Teacher. In 2001, Lidell and Gary moved to Arizona where Lidell became a High School Reading Specialist and was instrumental in developing curriculum for standardized tests and literacy programs for ELL students. Lidell really and truly strived for her students' success; she loved every one of her “kids”, and tried to continue working as a Director of Education even after her diagnosis. She served God as a born-again Christian and was baptized in 2010 when she selflessly continued a life of volunteering with her church, the Phoenix Children's Hospital, and so many others in need. Lidell is survived by her faithful husband Gary, sister Margaret Biroscak (Vince), brother Kevin Flanigan, son Derek Jacobson, daughter Carly Pugliese (Marc), 3 grandchildren, and countless students and colleagues that she inspired over the years. In lieu of flowers, please honor Lidell’s life and legacy by contributing to the Lidell Jacobson Memorial Fund that will go directly to assist graduates from Premier High School in pursuing post-secondary education: gofundme.com/lidell-jacobson-memorial-fund A celebration of Lidell’s life is planned for March 19th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Jacobson residence, 13285 W. Palm Ln., Goodyear, Arizona 85395.