CMSgt (ret) Karen Marie Jacobs, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in Melbourne, FL.  Born February 2, 1964 in Moorehead, MN.  She graduated with honors from North Sargent High School, Gwinner, ND in 1982.  She entered USAF Basic Training in June 1984 and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant March 1, 2008.  During her time in the Air Force, she served in Iceland, Japan, Texas, Florida, and Colorado.  She deployed to Qatar as the superintendent of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Division Systems in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004.  Her final position was the Superintendent of the 10th Communications Squadron, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Following her retirement, she returned to Melbourne, FL, and accepted a position with SAIC/Leidos working at the Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick AFB.  Most recently, she served as the Deputy Program Manager for a mission-critical system.

Karen had many hobbies and interests including road trips, cruises, fine dining, fashion, and all forms of art.  She was an avid ballroom dancer and on a Kizomba Dance Team.  Karen was also very handy and often chose to do her own home improvements by herself.  She was a long-time member of the local Hash House Harriers and served as the web designer for the group for over a decade.

Karen was a true lifelong learner, always looking to broaden her skills and experiences.  She often took classes to include cooking, photography, woodworking, financial planning and technical skills to improve her work performance.  She earned an AS in Accounting, a BS in Information Management Systems, and an MS in Computer Resources and Information Management.

Karen is survived by her sister Lori Flannery, brothers Larry, Dean, and Brad Purcell, Uncle Roland Purcell, Aunt Laura Meyers (husband Charles). She was preceded in death by her parents, Gary and Janet Purcell, and brother Steve Purcell.  Karen's nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends will continue to carry her generous spirit in their hearts.

Inurnment services will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Aug 26, 2019 at 9 a.m.  Celebration of Life gathering will be at the Tides Club, 1001 N. Highway A1A, Patrick AFB, FL starting at 11 am.  Please dress in comfortable business attire or uniform of the day for military personnel.

Karen was generous in her charitable giving and donations in her memory to any cause you personally support, in lieu of flowers, would be appreciated.  If you are unsure, Karen faithfully supported the following two 401(c)(3) charities:

Florida State University, Michaela Thomas Heart of the RA Scholarship Fund, https://one.fsu.edu/foundation/donate/give-online Fund #F07289

The Last Chance Sanctuary, http://www.thelastchancesanctuary.com/