Sisters remembers a dedicated teacher

Theresa Slavkovsky and Jim Cornelius | Last updated Jan 27, 2009 12:0pm0

The tight-knit community that is Sisters School District is mourning the passing of Diane Jacobsen, who died last Saturday of cancer.

Amid the sadness at the loss of a friend and colleague is a deep respect for a dedicated teacher, who knew from the fourth grade on that that's what she wanted to do and be.

Her commitment was profound. Often she spent Sunday mornings in the classroom preparing lessons, correcting papers, and developing new programs for her students. This became known as her "church." Returning home late sometimes, she would joke that the sermon had been especially long that morning.

"I think she had really high expectations for herself and for her colleagues and her students," said fellow teacher Tina Fiedler. "And she'd never ask anybody to do anything she wouldn't do herself."

Diane's true love was teaching the fourth grade, a year in which students learn Oregon history. On the first day of school with full gusto Diane greeted her students with "Welcome to the fourth grade, the best year of your life!" Inspired by Oregon pioneer Nellie Zook, Diane had a real passion for the explorations, migrations, and peoples that shaped the American West.

Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, the practices of native tribes and the Oregon Trail were amongst her favorite topics. Her enthusiasm for local history led her to initiate, develop and lead the fourth grade field trip - which remains part of fourth grade curriculum today.

On the trip students tour sites along the Oregon Trail and visit Fort Clatsop, Fort Vancouver, Oregon Trial Museum and the John McLoughlin House. For many years the trip included visiting the Astor Column and the tide pools of the Oregon coast.

Perhaps the most memorable experience of each trip was the singing she enthusiastically led while on the bus. Sing-a-long songs such as "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean," "The Bear Went Over the Mountain" and "Baby Bumblebee" continue to echo in the hearts of her students.

David Hewitt described himself as a student as well as a teacher when he started teaching fourth grade. He and Kirk Albertson noted that all her curriculum revolved around Oregon and Native American history.

"It all fit together like a glove on your hand," Hewitt said.

Diane led fund-raising events to cover the cost of the fourth grade field trips. For many years she led the production of a school/community carnival and started the famous Valentine's Day kiss-o-gram fund-raiser that remains today. Diane established the staff and community "Poor Man's" party, a potluck held the first Friday of the school year before the first payday.

Each spring for many years, Diane's passion for Oregon history led to the annual Pioneer Day at Sisters' Village Green Park. Students dressed as pioneers and enjoyed pioneer food and games, ending the day with the Virginia Reel square dance.

Diane also shared her wealth of knowledge on the Native American populations in Oregon with her students. Diane introduced the fourth grade Pow Wow, an event that provided the students and parents an opportunity to experience Native American dress, foods, games, songs, drumming and legend writing.

"That's all Mrs. J's stuff," Hewitt said. "And that's still here even though she's not."

Diane is also known for striving to teach all her students cursive writing. Every morning on the chalkboard she wrote, in cursive, the daily lessons for her students. Many teachers and friends envied her penmanship.

Friends knew that she was kind, thoughtful, honest, sincere, thorough, and always interested in others. She went above and beyond expectations in every endeavor, and put others before herself. Her friendly personality radiated from her in all that she did and with all those she met. She loved life, family, and friends.

"She gave 100 percent to her students," Norma Pledger said. "It's remarkable when a teacher can give so much of herself and she did that for 20 years. She never gave up on any student... She worked really hard to get the most out of every student."

And they have repaid her with fond memories of a favorite teacher.

Diane Jane (Hilts) Jacobsen — March 15, 1954 — January 24, 2009

Diane Jane (Hilts) Jacobsen died peacefully in her home Saturday morning, January 24. She was affectionately known and loved by the children of Sisters as "Mrs. J."

Diane was born March 15, 1954 in Coos Bay to Bill and Fern (Ingram) Hilts. She was the oldest of four children and loved and cared for her brothers, David, Rick and Jeff while they grew up in Salem. After graduating from South Salem High School she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in 1976 in elementary education from Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University).

As a child, Diane treasured her time with her Grandma and Grandpa Ingram, with whom she spent many weekends. Grandma Ingram taught her to sew, and Grandpa Ingram instilled in her a love for the outdoors. Outings to Clear Lake and the Central Oregon area were favorite trips they enjoyed. A natural teacher, Diane never missed the opportunity to teach her brothers in the outdoors, always identifying one more beautiful wild flower or tree.

Diane read every Nancy Drew book, was a Camp Fire Girl, and sang in her church choir. She volunteered as a Candy Striper, and performed in the musicals "West Side Story" and "Music Man" while in high school. Her hobbies grew to include gardening, canning and sewing.

Diane started her career in 1976, as a sixth grade teacher in Clackamas, Oregon at Kracksburger Elementary School. She began to teach at Sisters School District in 1979 and spent the next 28 years in these classrooms becoming a beloved instructor to generations of Sisters kids.

Diane met Kirk Jacobsen when Kirk called at her house to collect information for the 1980 census. After a long courtship they were married at Chapel in the Pines at Camp Sherman on December 27, 1986. Together they continued to enjoy the beauty of Oregon's outdoors. Kirk spent many hours assisting Diane with school projects and activities.

On February 21, 1994, Diane and Kirk were delighted with the arrival of their newborn son, Drew. As a mother, Diane radiated with pride and joy. It wasn't long before Drew was exploring the Northwest with his mom and dad. Together they have enjoyed family camping trips, walking the Oregon beaches, exploring those out-of-the-way places, hiking remote trails, and picking summer fruit along the Columbia River. The family trip to Costa Rica in 2007 was a highlight for them.

Diane became active in Drew's activities, assisting with Together For Children fund-raisers, Cub Scout Pack 139, and Pinewood Derbies. She remained very active within Drew's Boy Scout Troop 188.

Diane also influenced the lives of children in Africa through her involvement with the "Sisters Act" community talent show as both a regular performer and backstage organizer. She broadened the perspectives of her students with letter writing to other students in Uganda and several times hosted visiting Ugandans in her classroom.

Diane has been an active member of the Sisters Library Board and was central to the construction of a larger library - the building now housing the Sisters Chamber of Commerce. As an active member of Friends of the Sisters Library organization, she helped with the annual library book sale and orchestrated the Friends of the Sisters Library senior high school scholarship award. One of her favorite places in Sisters was the small original library and she often took her out-of-town guests there.

As a High Desert Museum volunteer she took on the role of "Grace," a pioneer woman. She greeted guests at the museum cabin to share about life as an Oregon pioneer.

Diane's brothers will always remember her care for them. She will be remembered as a dedicated wife and mother and for her unconditional love to her friends. Diane's bright-eyed, ready smile and enthusiasm for life will be remembered in every heart. She took on life with a positive, hopeful attitude even after her diagnosis of melanoma cancer in 2006. She fought the disease with the strength and courage of an Oregon pioneer. Diane's motto became "Life is Good" and she held on to that ideal throughout her battle with illness.

Her awards include: Sisters Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, 1990; Sisters School District Teacher of the Year Award, 1991-92; Sisters Kiwanis Every Day Hero Award, 2006; Sisters Cub Scout Pack 139 Volunteer Appreciation Award, 2005; Sisters School District Employee 25-Year Recognition Award, 2004; Sisters School District Certificate of Appreciation presented to Diane at her retirement, 2006.

Diane is survived by her dearly loved husband, Kirk; son, Drew; brothers, David Hilts (Molly) of Portland, Rick Hilts (Barb) and Jeff Hilts (Gloria) of Salem; uncles Roger Ingram, Kentucky and Don Hilts, Virginia; nieces, Ellyn Hilts, Greer Curry-Haner (Philip); nephews, Wade and Dane Hilts, Joseph Curry IV. Diane leaves behind many friends.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Diane Jacobsen Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Bank of the Cascades.

Interment will take place during a family ceremony at City View Cemetery in Salem.

A community memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, at Sisters High School auditorium at 10 a.m. A reception will follow after the service in the high school commons.