Amtrak Derailment Victim Rachel Jacobs Remembered At Manhattan Memorial
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A memorial service was held near NYU Saturday for one of the eight victims in the Amtrak derailment earlier this week.
As CBS2's Steve Langford reported, hundreds crowded the chapel at the Hebrew Union College, at 1 W. 4th St., to celebrate and mourn at the tribute service for Rachel Jacobs, 39.
"I'm so upset," one mourner said. "I'm so sorry."
Jacobs was remembered not only as a loving wife and mother, but also as a person who gave back again and again, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
Jacobs was one of eight people killed in the derailment on Tuesday in Philadelphia. She was eulogized by her husband, Todd.
"He was remarkably composed; very eloquent about just how much she changed his life," said family friend Brett Leitner.
Another family friend called Jacobs a beacon of light for her remarkable life of service to so many.
"All I could say is one thing I learned was the world went into a net deficit today, because this woman was a giver -- not a taker -- and we're all at a loss," he said.
Jacobs had started a charity in Detroit, where she grew up. Detroit Nation was founded to help the residence of her hometown.
"The work that she did for the community, and not just in New York but over the country, I think speaks volumes about what kind of people that they were. I think that's what really she was about," said a family friend.
A former Michigan neighbor was also inspired by her.
"I go away thinking and recommitting myself to a more meaningful life," said former neighbor Ellen Bates-Brackett. "Thank you, Rachel"
Jacobs texted her husband shortly before the crash to tell him she was on her way home, Hall reported.
At the same hour in Manhasset, Long Island, visitation was held for Amtrak train No. 188 victim and real estate executive Laura Finamore.
Jacobs' funeral is set for Monday in Michigan.