Sally C. Jacobson

Sally Claire (Martin) Jacobson, 81, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, while surrounded by her family's love. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Sally was known for her generous heart, her love of bringing people together, and her dedication to helping others.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Sunset Prairie Cemetery in Emerado, North Dakota.

Sally was born on May 29, 1944, to Robert and Mabel (Marshall) Martin. She grew up in Emerado, North Dakota, where she developed a lifelong commitment to family, faith, and service. She graduated from Larimore High School in 1962 and later attended the University of North Dakota.

In 1963, she married the love of her life, Marlin “Jake” Jacobson. Together they built a life centered on family and community, welcoming their children: Robert, Wesley, and Kathleen.

Over the years, Sally and Jake lived in Alexandria and Dilworth, Minnesota, before settling in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Sally held several positions throughout her life, including roles at Woolworth’s, Wilkerson Cafeteria at the University of North Dakota, Piggly Wiggly, Christus Rex Lutheran Campus Center, and Vaaler Insurance. At Piggly Wiggly, she proudly supported the early transition to computerized UPC scanning, embracing innovation long before it became commonplace.

Service and community involvement were central to Sally’s life. A dedicated member and leader in 4-H, she spent ten years as a member and eleven years guiding youth as a leader. Her faith was equally important to her, and she served the Emerado Presbyterian Church community in many roles, including the Women’s Association, church elder, and church treasurer. She also served as the primary organist for an extraordinary forty years.

Sally loved bringing people together and was known for hosting joyful family celebrations - especially Halloween, Christmas, and St. Patrick’s Day parties for her children and grandchildren. She never hesitated to invite anyone who was around. She enjoyed painting and had a natural gift for caring for others. Her kitchen table was always full, and no one ever left hungry.

In 2006, after a battle with auto-immune hepatitis, Sally received a life-saving liver transplant. Afterward, Jake told her that “she has a story, and she needs to tell it.” Sally embraced that calling and became a passionate ambassador for organ donation through LifeSource. Sharing the remarkable story of receiving a liver that was 21 years older than she was, Sally spoke to high school students throughout Grand Forks and East Grand Forks about the importance of organ donation. It is estimated that she reached more than 3,000 students, leaving a lasting impact while encouraging students to “check the box.”

Her dedication to organ donation advocacy led to numerous local and national recognitions. She served on the committee for Altru’s Organ Donor Legacy Tribute Wall and was honored with a key to the City of Grand Forks. Sally helped establish the North Dakota State Capitol Donate Life Christmas Trees in remembrance of organ donors, supported legislation to include organ donation education in driver’s education courses, and together with Jake served on the hospitality team for the Trails for Transplants organ donation trail ride fundraising efforts.

Sally often said she hoped people would remember that she tried her best to be a good person. She loved humor, cherished her friends and family, and was especially grateful for her Trails for Transplants family. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, kind with her words, generous with her giving, and full of love for those around her.

Sally is survived by her children: Robert (Zama) Jacobson, Wesley (Dana) Jacobson, and Kathleen (Kim) Pedersen; her grandchildren Sydney, Reed, and Tate Jacobson; Bryn Jacobson and Madilyn Wood; and Kamilla and Annika Pedersen; and her brother Lee Martin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin “Jake” Jacobson; her parents, Robert and Mabel Martin; her brothers Danny Martin, Rodney Martin, and Steve Martin; and her beloved grandchildren Martell and Natalie Jacobson and Nora Pedersen.