Nelda R. Jacobson

January 28, 1915 - July 24, 2013

LAURENS - Nelda Rudiger Jacobson, age 98, died late Wednesday night, July 24, 2013, in the Health Pavilion at The Masonic Care Community of New York in Utica.

She was born January 28, 1915, in Syracuse, a daughter of William and Bertha Kate (Griffing) Rudiger. Nelda graduated from Normal School in Syracuse and  began her career as a teacher in a one room schoolhouse in Lentsville in 1936. When the school closed she taught sixth grade in Hartwick, staying until 1945 when she chose to stay home with her family for a few years. In January 1948 she began teaching sixth grade in Laurens Central School. Shortly after she began teaching in Laurens, the State of New York introduced an initiative for teachers to further their education, so she and three other elementary teachers from Laurens attended classes at the State University College of Education in Oneonta and she ultimately earned her Bachelor's degree. After 29 years of service to the children of Laurens Central School, she retired from there in 1977.  

An active member of her community, Nelda served at one time as a 4-H Club leader, was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Hartwick, and was a member and Past Worthy Matron of the Laurens Chapter No. 518, Order of the Eastern Star. She was also an active member and past president of the Otsego County Women's Republican Club, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Delta Kappa Gamma, an honor society for women educators. A faithful Christian, Nelda first held membership with the Hartwick Christian Church and later became a member of the Laurens Presbyterian Church.

Nelda is survived by her children, C. William Jacobson of Milford, Arthur M. Jacobson of Greenville and Judith Jacobson Anderson of North Providence, RI; grandchildren and great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death in 1989 by her husband, Melvin G. Jacobson, whom she married on August 6, 1938, in a ceremony at the Geddes Congregational Church in Syracuse. 

Friends may call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown from 12 Noon until 1:30 pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 when her family will be in attendance.

At the conclusion of the visitation on Tuesday afternoon a funeral service will be offered at 1:30 pm at the funeral home, with the Rev. George Gotman, officiating.  Interment will follow in Hartwick Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.