Maria Jacobsen was born on November 6, 1882, in Denmark. After completing nursing courses, in 1906, she became a member of the “Women’s Missionary Workers" (KMA) Organization of Denmark. The KMA had aided Armenian orphans in German orphanages operating in the Ottoman Empire, who were saved during the Hamidian Massacres of 1894-1896. In November 1907, she arrived to the city of Kharberd and within a short period learned Armenian. Throughout her time, she kept a diary which included eyewitness accounts from survivors and witnesses of the Armenian Genocide.
In January 1922, Ms. Jacobsen transferred a large group of orphans to Beirut with Karen Marie Petersen, another Danish missionary, and established the first orphanage of the KMA. In 1928, the KMA took over the operations of the Near East Relief orphanage in Jbeil, Lebanon, and called it the “Birds’ Nest.” Ms. Jacobsen was one of the leading figures at the Bird’s Nest. The Armenian orphans referred to her as “Mama Jacobsen.” The children at the “Bird's Nest”were taught the same subjects as at public schools of Lebanon as well as different crafts.
Ms. Jacobsen was the first woman in Denmark to receive its highest state award for her committed humanitarian service. She died on April 6, 1960, and by her will, was buried in the courtyard of Birds' Nest.