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Miriam Marie Jaberg

1935 - 2024

 

Jaberg, Miriam Marie age 88, of New Brighton died peacefully at home on June 19, 2024. She is survived by sons, Scott and David; daughter, Beth; and sister Luella Bonner. She was preceded in death by husband Eugene ("Gene") Jaberg and sister Lucille Gaffney.

Miriam was born to Albert and Leona (Buseman) Priebe in Klemme, Iowa. The youngest of three daughters, she grew up on the family farm near Klemme. She graduated from Klemme High School in 1953, and went on to Mission House (Lakeland) College in Plymouth, Wisconsin in the fall of that year. She married Gene in 1954, and they began their married life in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They moved to Madison the following year, and Miriam continued her college education at the University of Wisconsin. The birth of son Scott led Miriam to put her academic career on hold to raise a family. Gene and Miriam moved back to Sheboygan in 1958 so Gene could take a teaching position at Mission House Theological Seminary.

The arrival of Beth and David heralded a new chapter in their family's saga, each child bringing their own unique spark to the household. In 1962 the family moved to the Twin Cities when Mission House Theological Seminary merged with Yankton School of Theology to form United Theological Seminary (UTS). As a faculty wife, Miriam audited classes at UTS and participated in the life of the seminary community, graciously welcoming students and faculty into the family home on many occasions.

A nurturing mother, Miriam fostered an environment of self-discovery and personal growth for her children. After her children left for college, Miriam resumed her pursuit of higher education through Metro State University in St. Paul, Minnesota, majoring in Psychology and graduating with a degree in Human Services in 1977. Although she initially began working in the field of child psychology, a job offer at the Asian Fine Arts (AFA) gallery in Minneapolis steered her professional path in a new and rewarding direction.

In the early 1990s, having left Asian Fine Arts, Miriam opened her own gallery selling Asian arts and antiques, located in the historic Soo Line Building in downtown Minneapolis. Miriam spent the last 15 years of her life at Applewood Pointe in New Brighton (APNB), a senior cooperative. She was surrounded by a close-knit community of residents and staff who became like family. APNB's supportive atmosphere enriched the final chapter of her life. Miriam was a kind, generous woman. She will be remembered for her warm smile and caring nature.

She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, creativity, and spiritual growth that will continue to inspire her family and friends for years to come. A celebration of life is currently being planned, with details to be announced at a later date. Information regarding memorial contributions will also be shared once arrangements are finalized.