Joan F. David, 76, of Gladwin, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 10, 1947, to George and Ann (Maher) Dubay in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Houston, Texas.
Joan’s life was marked by a legacy of kindness, dedication, and active involvement in her community.
After graduating from Mr. Carmel High School in Houston, Joan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Math from St. Mary’s College. On graduation, she married John David and joined him at his station in Hawaii during the Vietnam War before returning stateside, drawn to Gladwin for a job in radio. John preceded her in death. Later, she found companionship with Doug Jacobson, whom she married in 1986.
In Gladwin, Joan started as a teller with MidMichigan Bank, was a loan officer and branch manager with First of America, and served as the first female commercial loan officer for National City Bank. Her second career was as a manager for Deshano Construction until her retirement. Her dedication extended beyond her career, actively volunteering for and serving on the boards of various organizations that contributed significantly to the community.
Joan served as a member of the Planning Commission for the City of Gladwin since 1992. Beginning in 1985, she served with distinction on various boards of MyMichigan Health, including chairing for the Gladwin Hospital Board and the MyMichigan System Board. She was the first chairman of the MyMichigan Health System who was not from Midland and was serving as chair when the partnership with University of Michigan Health Systems was finalized. Additionally, she served on the Library Board and the Grants Committee for the Gladwin Community Foundation, while activating volunteering for the Gladwin Area Artist Guild. Her tireless service demonstrated her commitment to philanthropy and community development.
Her enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering support made her a beloved figure in these organizations, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked with. Joan’s warm and caring nature extended to her friendships, and she will be dearly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Joan is survived by her loving husband, Doug Jacobson; daughter, Ann Dubay David (Sean Ziegler); son, Timothy Jacobson; grandsons, David, Jack, and Elliot Ziegler; brothers, Gene (Michelle) Dubay, George (Lynne) Dubay, Jime (Bren) Dubay, and Chad (Ann) Dubay; sister-in-law, Denise Hoag; brother-in-law, Robert Jacobson; and mother-in-law, Claire Jacobson.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, John David; parents, George and Ann Dubay; in-laws, Jack and Penny David, and Douglas C. Jacobson.
Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Gladwin. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 5-8:00 P.M. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Gladwin. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Gladwin Community Foundation or the MyMichigan Health Foundation. To share condolences and memories, please visit www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com.
