Joanne Schieble Simpson is mostly known as the biological mother of one of the most influential figures in modern technology, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Despite her connection to such a great icon, Joanne lived a relatively ordinary life. Her story is one of complexity, resilience, and decisions that shaped her life and the world through her son. While she is not a household name, her influence on one of the greatest innovators of our time makes her life worth examining.
Early Life and Background
Joanne Carole Schieble was born on August 1, 1929, in Wisconsin. She came from a German Catholic upbringing rooted in tradition. Joanne was a bright and determined young woman who loved education and wanted to pursue a career in academia. At the University of Wisconsin, she studied political science and became interested in learning.
At the university, she met Abdulfattah “John” Jandali, a Syrian-born graduate student. The two were lovers whose relationship was complicated by cultural and religious differences. Interfaith relationships were frowned upon in the 1950s, and Joanne’s strict Catholic family opposed their union. Despite these issues, Joanne became pregnant with Jandali’s child in 1954.
A Difficult Decision: Giving Up Steve Jobs
The stigma of having a child out of wedlock put Joanne in a difficult spot. Her family pressured her not to marry Jandali, and without their support, Joanne put her newborn son up for adoption. Joanne gave birth to Steven Paul Jobs in San Francisco on 24 February, 1955.
Joanne set a condition for the adoption: She hoped educated parents would raise her son the way she felt he should. After a failed adoption placement later, Steve was adopted by working class couple Paul and Clara Jobs. While not college educated, the Jobs family provided a home for Steve and encouraged his intellectual curiosity.
This decision was probably the hardest decision Joanne ever made. Years later, her son, Steve Jobs, would later describe how adoption changed him and how he came to appreciate both his biological and adoptive parents.
Life after Adoption and New Beginnings
Joanne’s life changed after she gave up Steve for adoption. She eventually married Jandali, but their union was short-lived. Joanne later went on to marry George Simpson, a professor with whom she had a daughter, Mona Simpson.
Neither Mona nor Steve Jobs saw each other until they were adults, but the siblings later bonded over a love of creativity and the arts. Joanne’s second marriage to Simpson provided a stable family life and she continued to study and write throughout her life.
Relationship with Steve Jobs
Joanne and Steve Jobs eventually reconnected, and although their relationship remained secret, they were in touch in Steve Jobs’ later years. Jobs spoke frequently publicly about adoption and his gratitude to both his adoptive and biological parents. He described his relationships with Joanne and Jandali as “cordial,” although he had less contact with his biological father.
Legacy and Impact
Though Joanne Schieble Simpson is not a household name, her influence is undeniable. Her decision to give up her son for adoption led to one of the most moving stories of our time. Joanne has left her mark on technology, creativity, and innovation through her son Steve Jobs.
