Published in Kansas City Star on September 11, 2013

GRUBER-JACOBSON Jody Ann Gruber-Jacobson, 53, Tampa, FL passed away Sat, September 7, 2013 in her home. She was born February 26, 1960, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Richard and Arlene Gruber (Diamond). Jody grew up in Overland Park, KS where she lived most of her life. She loved to sing and was an accomplished pianist. She had three children and loved being a mom. She graduated from the University of Kansas School of Nursing and worked as a school nurse. She later moved to Tampa, FL where she worked as a nanny and private piano teacher. Jody is survived by her husband, Gregory Jacobson of Tampa; three children, Jill Van Compernolle of Los Angeles, Thomas Van Compernolle of Kansas City and Trisha Ward of Fort Lauderdale; her sister, Bonnie Williamson of Kansas City and brothers, Rick Gruber of Kansas City, and Ben Gruber of Kansas City; her step-mother, Karen Gruber of Kansas City; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles; and her adored dog, Bandit and kitty, Diamond. Her laughter and smile were contagious. She lit up every room she entered. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Maslan (Diamond) and her father, Richard Gruber. Celebration of life will be held Friday, September 13, 2013 at the Unity Church of Overland Park, 10300 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, KS 66212. Visitation will be at 4:00 and the service will begin at 5:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , Making Strides Against Breast Cancer . Checks can be made out to the American Cancer Society . Please indicate in the memo Making Strides of Hillsborough County- In Memory of Jody Gruber- Jacobson, 2006 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606.