MIDDLETON / NAPLES, Fla. - Carole Joan Jacobson, age 83, died peacefully with her three children by her side on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Naples, Fla. She was born on February 6, 1943, in Port Huron, Mich., the daughter of Ralph and Leona (Mills) Moore.

Carole graduated from Port Huron High School in 1961, and she received her associate’s degree in dental hygiene from Madison Area Technical College in 1983. She was united in marriage to Michael Jacobson on April 13, 1991, in Madison, Wis.

Carole was a dedicated stay-at-home mother while raising her children and later enjoyed a successful 20-year career as a dental hygienist serving patients in Madison. While Carole spent much of her adult life in Middleton, Wis., she developed a deep love for Naples, Fla., where she spent 20 winters and eventually became a full-time resident for the last 13 years of her life. She always loved living around water - growing up on Lake Huron, spending many years around the Madison lakes, and finally enjoying the ocean in Florida.

Carole loved staying active and embracing life’s adventures. She found great joy in spending time with friends and pursuing her many interests, including golf, yoga, skiing, playing bridge, and participating in fitness classes. An avid traveler, Carole explored destinations throughout the United States and abroad. She was a Wisconsin Badgers fan and enjoyed cheering them on. She generously shared her time and talents as a member of the Junior League and as a volunteer with Avow Hospice in Naples. Carole’s faith was an important part of her life, and she found comfort and community attending church in both Madison and Naples.

Carole’s positive outlook on life was an inspiration to all who knew her. As her children’s and grandchildren’s most devoted cheerleader, she celebrated their successes and found her greatest happiness in their joy. She lived life fully and with purpose, touching others with her kindness, gentleness, and love. She had a beautiful gift of bringing people together and hosting wonderful holiday gatherings for friends and family alike.

Carole is survived by her children, Holly (Carter) Balfour of St. Paul, Minn., Hilary (John) Simkins of Philadelphia, Pa. and Theodore “Teddy” (Sara) Parker of Andover, Mass.; stepsons, Mark (Wendi) Jacobson of Brooklyn, Wis. and Todd (Jackie) Jacobson of Oconomowoc, Wis.; grandchildren, Adeline, Oliver and Phoebe Balfour, Maxwell and Oscar Simkins, Tyler, Ellie and Lucy Parker, Melanie, Ashley and Chloe Jacobson, Emily (Casey) Reimer, Justin (Jess) Jacobson, Natalie Jacobson and Daniel Jacobson; sister, Sandy Moore of Manassas Park, Va.; and nephew, Adam Tash of Barcelona, Spain.

Carole was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Jacobson; parents, Ralph and Leona Moore; and nephew, Brendan Tash.

A memorial service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Special thanks to the caregivers at Chateau Moorings Park and the Avow Hospice team in Naples for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Carole.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Avow Hospice (avowcares.org) or Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Carole Jacobson

May 29, 2026

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