Ludmilla Johanna Jacobs, 83, passed away on May 21, 2012 in Anchorage. "Ludy" was the middle of 13 children, she was born on May 16, 1929 to John and Anna Herda in New Prague, Minnesota. The Herda's were a close knit family enjoying music, their Catholic Church and Czechoslovakian community. Ludy was Valedictorian of her Catholic girl's school and held many jobs to help support the large family. She decided to move to Alaska in the mid 1940's to join her brother John and be a part of the growing city. Her stories of the early years were always fascinating. Holy Family Cathedral and the choir made up a large part of her life. She traveled with several early groups giving performances around Alaska, she loved to sing. Ludy married Arthur Jacobs and become the mother of five children, Jaqueline, Karl, Michele, Rolla, and Jason. After Jason was diagnosed with Autism 40 years ago, Ludy began her quest for appropriate services. She began lecturing and speaking to anyone who would listen. Then realizing the need for year round schooling, she helped spearhead the first summer school with data to prove it accomplished its goals. After that she fought for a respite center and served on its board, Ludy also was part of the group that formed Parents of Autistic Children to educate parents about handling this challenging disability. In 1982 she was one of the honorees of the Governor's Award. She was also a member of the Governors Council for the Developmentally Disabled. Unfortunately the mind of this brilliant and formidable woman deserted her, but her legacy of services for the disabled will live on. Ludmila was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph, John, Wenceslaus and George. Also by her sister Helen and Sister Deobora O.S.B. She is survived by Sister Jonathan of O.S.B., her sisters Marcella Catalano, MA; Elizabeth Suel, WA; Marie Kajer, MN; Theresa Gucker, AK; also her brother Robert Herda of MN; her children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Services will be held on Thursday May 31, 2012 at the Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage at 811 W. 6th Avenue at 12:00 pm. Memorials may be made in Ludmilla's memory to the Autism Society of America, 607 Old Steese Hwy., Suite E, Fairbanks, Alaska at 99701. Arrangements are under the direction of the Anchorage Funeral Home.
Ludmilla Johanna Jacobs, 83, passed away on May 21, 2012 in Anchorage. "Ludy" was the middle of 13 children, she was born on May 16, 1929 to John and Anna Herda in New Prague, Minnesota. The Herda's were a close knit family enjoying music, their Catholic Church and Czechoslovakian community. Ludy was Valedictorian of her Catholic girl's school and held many jobs to help support the large family. She decided to move to Alaska in the mid 1940's to join her brother John and be a part of the growing city. Her stories of the early years were always fascinating. Holy Family Cathedral and the choir made up a large part of her life. She traveled with several early groups giving performances around Alaska, she loved to sing. Ludy married Arthur Jacobs and become the mother of five children, Jaqueline, Karl, Michele, Rolla, and Jason. After Jason was diagnosed with Autism 40 years ago, Ludy began her quest for appropriate services. She began lecturing and speaking to anyone who would listen. Then realizing the need for year round schooling, she helped spearhead the first summer school with data to prove it accomplished its goals. After that she fought for a respite center and served on its board, Ludy also was part of the group that formed Parents of Autistic Children to educate parents about handling this challenging disability. In 1982 she was one of the honorees of the Governor's Award. She was also a member of the Governors Council for the Developmentally Disabled. Unfortunately the mind of this brilliant and formidable woman deserted her, but her legacy of services for the disabled will live on. Ludmila was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph, John, Wenceslaus and George. Also by her sister Helen and Sister Deobora O.S.B. She is survived by Sister Jonathan of O.S.B., her sisters Marcella Catalano, MA; Elizabeth Suel, WA; Marie Kajer, MN; Theresa Gucker, AK; also her brother Robert Herda of MN; her children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Services will be held on Thursday May 31, 2012 at the Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage at 811 W. 6th Avenue at 12:00 pm. Memorials may be made in Ludmilla's memory to the Autism Society of America, 607 Old Steese Hwy., Suite E, Fairbanks, Alaska at 99701. Arrangements are under the direction of the Anchorage Funeral Home.
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