Hundreds Gather To Remember Michigan Native Killed In Train Derailment
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Hundreds of mourners attending the funeral for Rachel Jacobs, the 39-year-old educational software startup chief executive and daughter of ex-Democratic state Sen. Gilda Jacob, who died in Tuesday's Amtrak crash in Philadelphia.
An overflow crowd, including many Michigan politicians, filled the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield on Monday.
Jacobs was remembered by family and friends during the morning service attended by Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner and former Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer.
"She was an amazing woman and it was a preventable tragedy and I'm here to show my love and support for Rachel's family and her mom, who was a great colleague of mine," said Schauer.
"I think it's important that the family understands what a profound impact they've had upon the community, their entire family," said Sherrie Ball, former city manager of Pleasant Ridge.
Jacobs grew up in Huntington Woods and graduated from Berkley High School and Swarthmore College.
She earned a master's degree from Columbia Business School and was CEO of the Philadelphia-based startup ApprenNet.
Jacobs leaves behind her husband and 2-year-old child.