LINDA JACOBSEN JAY (PERKINS)

Linda Mary Perkins (Jacobsen) Jay, 75, died peacefully at the home of her family on August 17, 2015. Linda was born in Seattle, Washington, June 7, 1940, to Mary Ellen and Clint Perkins. She graduated from the University of Washington with a double major in English and History. For 30 years, she was the epitome of a goodwill ambassador; first as a teacher in Japan, and then accompanying her former husband, William L. Jacobsen, Jr., on diplomatic assignments in Brazil, Portugal, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Washington, DC and Guinea Bissau. Linda never knew a stranger, graciously welcoming guests into her home and fostering cross cultural exchange. For 10 years, she ran a bed and breakfast from her home in Washington, DC, providing hospitality to students, diplomats and tourists alike. She moved to Chapel Hill in 2002 where she founded the Liberal Ladies Book Club, joined writing groups, and enthusiastically volunteered with the Carolina Friends of the Foreign Service and Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. She was the doyenne of ERUUF's annual book fair and treasured friend of Women in Spirit. In January 2015, Linda was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme. She received outstanding compassionate care from physicians and staff at UNC's Lineberger Hospital and the Patient and Family Resource Center. Her family is indebted to the kindness and generosity of friends, volunteers and staff at Hillcrest Convalescent Center, Cornucopia Cancer Support Center, Home Werks Home Care and UNC Hospice. Beloved mother of Heidi Hannapel, Kristina Bouweiri and Karl-Eric Jacobsen; son in law, Andrew Hannapel; sister and brother, Luann and Jeff Perkins. Linda is survived by 11 grandchildren. "Sala kahle, hamba kahle." 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Linda's memory to Cornucopia Cancer Support Center: 
www.cancersupport4u.org

www.legacy.com/washingtonpost/lindajay