Obituary of Jakobine Cordes

Jakobine Schou Cordes, 88, of Oneida, NY, wife of 40 years to Arthur Vernon Cordes III and mother to Niels-Viggo Schou Hobbs. She was born in Denmark, August 31, 1926, lived through the German occupation during World War II, and then studied art in Copenhagen, Paris, San Francisco, and Tokyo - devoting her life to clay sculpture, fashion design, and fiber arts, and instilling a love for art among thousands of students. She travelled around the world more than twice as a merchant marine, teacher, and adventurer, including a 5-year journey in a 1934 London taxi with extended stays in Morocco and Pakistan with her former husband, Alfred Hobbs. Along the way, she met with royalty and lived with the poorest of the poor. Much of her life was spent in New York State where she taught art and design at Syracuse University, the Everson Museum, and several regional arts centers. She settled in Oneida over 30 years ago, and continued to teach art and inspire students and friends alike. She was recently the subject of a documentary film titled Alfred & Jakobine, which is currently showing in film festivals around the world. She leaves behind her devoted husband and son, extended family in America and Europe, and many, many adoring friends. A memorial celebration will be held on Friday, February 13, 5-7pm, at the Tait Funeral Home on Fenner Road in Cazenovia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests friends make a donation to UNICEF in Jakobine's name. For more information, please visit www.taitfuneralhome.com