Margaret W. (Walker) Jacobson

Margaret W. Jacobson, formerly of East Hampton, CT, passed away on May 7, 2026 at Hartford Hospital with family surrounding her. Known to everyone as Sam, she entered the world on September 27, 1942, in Beccles, England.

As the eldest of four children born to Dorothy and John Walker, Sam spent her youth along the beautiful Suffolk coast, where she developed a lifelong love of the water. Growing up during World War II had a profound effect on Sam, and those memories were never far from her mind. After completing her education at a Framlingham Mills Grammar School, she moved to London to attend Regent Street Polytechnic College.

In 1967, Sam married John Hoy Jr., a US Air Force RF-4C crew chief stationed at RAF Bentwaters. Soon after, the couple moved to America, residing first near Lewiston, Maine, before settling in Moodus and then East Hampton, Connecticut. Upon moving to the Connecticut River Valley, she often declared the Connecticut River the most beautiful place she had ever seen. Following her first marriage, Sam met and later married Vincent Jacobson, a lifelong resident of East Hampton. They shared over 45 years together, raising their combined five children, and later traveling around the United States to visit friends and family.

Sam possessed a vibrant intellect. A voracious reader, she often lost herself in a book with a hot cup of tea at her side, the family called it “reading to the exclusion of everything”. However, she always made time for Jeopardy!. She could fire off correct answers before the contestants could even push the button. An exceptional home chef and baker, Sam made legendary apple pies that became a family favorite and a testament to her love for those around her. In addition, her kids would fight for the last spoonful of her homemade raspberry jam. Her passion for history led her to become an excellent amateur genealogist, eventually tracing her family tree back to the 1600s.

Sam dedicated nearly 30 years to Liberty Bank in Middletown, serving as the Records Clerk until her retirement in 2012. Beyond her career, she committed herself deeply to the town of East Hampton. She served as the Republican Registrar of Voters for many years and contributed her time and sharp mind to several elected town boards, ensuring the community she loved remained a quaint town and affordable place to live. That dedication was even more evident when she retired early to care for her husband after a life-altering event.

Following her husband’s passing in 2022, Sam moved to Haddam, CT. She quickly made many friends and became a staff favorite, participating in many events - including Poker and Bingo, much to the surprise of her children. Life in her very own apartment only grew more interesting in her 80s. In addition to exploring local area attractions, she took several trips to England to visit family and her favorite childhood haunts. At the age of 82, she completed her "bucket-list" riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans, accompanied by her sister and daughters, who mostly just tried to keep her out of trouble.

She leaves behind her three children: Steven Gambichler, Melissa Hoy Ziobron (Scott), and Rebecca Hoy (Dennis); and three stepsons: Vincent Jacobson (Susan), Richard Jacobson (Maggie), and Ronald Jacobson. She also leaves her sister, Mary Walker; her brother, Charles Walker (Beryl); her eight grandchildren: Brittany Ziobron, Eric Jacobson, Sarah Jacobson, Robbie Jacobson, Bryan Ziobron, Kelly Jacobson, Sam Gambichler, and Max Gambichler; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Sam’s husband, Vincent Jacobson, and her brother, Henry Walker, predeceased her.

Sam leaves a legacy of duty, a quick wit, and a deep love for her family. A celebration of life will be held at Spencer Funeral Home in East Hampton on May 17, 2026. Visiting hours start at 1:00pm with a remembrance service scheduled to begin at 3:00pm. A future farewell in her beloved Suffolk will be scheduled at the convenience of the family. 

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