Katherine Farber Lapidoth

Katherine Farber Lapidoth, 70, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, following a brave and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout her life, Katherine faced challenges with strength, intelligence, curiosity, and an unmistakable zest for life.

Katherine leaves behind 3 beloved sons, Adam (Sharon), Gideon (Oshrat), and Saul, and 5 beautiful grandchildren, who brought her enormous pride and joy. She is also survived by her husband, Jerry Jarboe, her sisters, Mary McKenney (Tedd) and Julianne Johnson (Jim), 5 nieces, 1 nephew, 1 grandniece and 4 grandnephews.

Katherine’s education included earning a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.

Her career took her on an extraordinary journey around the world. She began working in Philadelphia before moving on to California and Japan, ultimately finding her long-time home and career in Tel Aviv, Israel.

An accomplished stockbroker, Katherine worked with Pioneer Securities and became well known for her knowledge of financial planning. She wrote a financial column for the Jerusalem Post and was a frequent keynote speaker for financial conferences - with much of her work focused on helping women develop financial knowledge and independence. She was a strong, intelligent, and accomplished woman who was always willing to share what she knew with others.

Soon after arriving in Tel Aviv, Katherine met and married a handsome attorney, Ilan Lapidoth. She embraced Ilan’s children, Guy and Alexa, and his nephew, Dean and together Katherine and Ilan had their three sons, creating a large and loving family.

Later, Katherine established a home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Following Ilan’s passing, she found love again and married Jerry Jarboe, who stood by her during many challenges and comforted her during her illness. In Ft Lauderdale, Katherine built a wonderful circle of friends and became an important part of her community.

In retirement, Katherine found a new calling as a tutor, helping students prepare for the English portions of the SAT and ACT. She genuinely enjoyed working with young people and took great pride in helping them succeed. Even after she became ill, she continued teaching. The affection and support her students showed her during her illness meant a great deal to Katherine and was a testament to the special connection she formed with them.

Katherine lived a life filled with adventure. Her worldwide travels took her to many fascinating places, and she was never one to shy away from an adventure—even when those travels brought her face-to-face with danger. She traveled extensively throughout South Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, accumulating stories and memories that she loved to share.

Family was always at the center of Katherine’s life. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and took particular delight in spending time shopping with her daughters-in-law and granddaughter, Chloe. Those moments, filled with laughter, conversation, and togetherness, were among the many joys of her later years.

Katherine lived a remarkable life and leaves behind a bountiful legacy—not only through her accomplishments and the lives she touched professionally, but through her children, grandchildren, extended family, students, and countless friends. She traveled the world, built a successful career, found love more than once, inspired young people, and most importantly, created a family and a legacy that will live on.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered and loved.

A Simple Gathering will be held at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 718 S Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, US, on September 4, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location from 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm, and a Reception from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm.