Who Is Joanne Schieble? The Real Story Behind Steve Jobs’ Birth Mother

Joanne Schieble Simpson was the biological mother of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. Although her name is not as widely known as her son’s, her story plays a quiet but powerful role in the history of modern innovation. Joanne’s life was shaped by her upbringing, her values, and a series of life-changing decisions made under social pressure and emotional pain. Her choices, made with courage and selflessness, changed not only her own destiny but also that of her son, whose work would go on to change the world. Understanding Joanne’s life helps us see the human side of history—the love, fear, and sacrifice that often stand behind greatness.

Quick Bio

Who is Joanne Schieble Simpson?

Early Life and Background

Joanne Carole Schieble was born in 1932 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, into a traditional Catholic, middle-class family. Her parents, Arthur and Irene Schieble, were of German and Swiss descent and valued education, respect, and discipline. Joanne grew up during a time when women were expected to follow conventional paths, often centered around family life rather than personal ambition. Yet, she was bright, curious, and independent-minded.

Her childhood was simple and structured, with strong moral guidance from her family and the Catholic Church. Joanne’s parents worked hard to provide stability and opportunity for their daughter, instilling in her a strong sense of responsibility and compassion. From a young age, she showed an interest in learning and helping others, qualities that would guide her throughout her life.

Joanne Schieble Age and Physical Details

Educational Journey

After finishing high school, Joanne attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which was a major step forward for women of her generation. Higher education was not as common for women in the early 1950s, but Joanne’s intelligence and ambition set her apart. At university, she studied subjects related to speech and language, which later led her to her career as a speech-language pathologist.

During her college years, Joanne developed a deep appreciation for communication, understanding, and human connection. These interests reflected her caring personality and her desire to make a difference in people’s lives. However, it was also during her time in college that she met someone who would change the direction of her life forever.

Meeting Abdulfattah Jandali

While studying at the University of Wisconsin, Joanne met Abdulfattah “John” Jandali, a young man from Homs, Syria, who had come to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in political science. Jandali came from a well-respected Middle Eastern family, and he was ambitious, intelligent, and driven. The two were drawn to each other and quickly fell in love. However, their relationship was not accepted by Joanne’s family. Her father, Arthur Schieble, strongly disapproved of the relationship because of cultural and religious differences.

In the 1950s, relationships between people of different races or faiths were frowned upon, especially in conservative Catholic families. Joanne’s father made it clear that he would not allow her to marry a Muslim man. Despite her love for Jandali, Joanne found herself trapped between her heart and her family’s expectations.

Who is Abdulfattah Jandali?

The Pregnancy

When Joanne became pregnant, she faced one of the most difficult decisions of her life. In that time period, having a child outside of marriage was considered a serious social scandal. Unmarried mothers were often rejected by their families and faced harsh judgment from society. Joanne’s father refused to let her marry Abdulfattah, and without her family’s support, she was left alone to make an impossible choice.

She wanted her baby to have a good life, filled with love and opportunity, something she felt she could not provide under the circumstances. With a heavy heart, Joanne decided that the best path for her child would be adoption. It was a decision born out of love, not rejection—a choice made to protect her baby from the pain and difficulty she herself was facing.

The Birth of Steve Jobs

In 1954, Joanne left Wisconsin and traveled to San Francisco to stay at a Catholic home for unwed mothers. These homes offered privacy and medical care for women in her situation. On February 24, 1955, Joanne gave birth to a baby boy. Although she was heartbroken, she had already arranged for the child to be adopted by a loving family. She had one condition: that the adoptive parents should be college-educated, as she believed education was the key to success.

However, when the original couple she had chosen backed out, the baby was offered to Paul and Clara Jobs, a kind couple from California. Paul was a machinist, and Clara was an accountant. Even though they were not college-educated, they promised Joanne that they would raise the child with care and ensure he would go to college one day. Moved by their sincerity, Joanne agreed. That baby was Steve Jobs.

Life After Adoption

After giving her son up for adoption, Joanne returned to Wisconsin and continued her education. She later married Abdulfattah Jandali, though their marriage was short-lived. Despite being legally married, they never tried to reclaim their son, perhaps because they knew it was too late to reverse what had been done. Their marriage eventually ended in divorce, and both went on to lead separate lives.

Joanne carried the memory of her decision quietly, never seeking attention or sympathy. She turned her energy toward building a meaningful career and a stable life. She became a speech-language pathologist, dedicating her career to helping children and adults overcome communication challenges. Her profession reflected her natural compassion and her ability to understand and support others.

Marriage to George Simpson

Some years later, Joanne married George Simpson, a psychologist who shared her intellectual interests and gentle personality. Together, they built a comfortable and private life. Joanne and George had a daughter named Mona, who would later grow up to be a well-known author and literature professor. Mona Simpson’s novels, including Anywhere But Here and A Regular Guy, drew from her own life experiences and her family’s complex history. Joanne raised Mona with warmth, love, and encouragement, teaching her the importance of education and self-belief. Joanne’s second marriage brought her stability, and she finally found a sense of peace that had been missing from her earlier years.

Reuniting with Steve Jobs

For many years, Joanne’s connection to her first child remained a secret. Steve Jobs grew up with Paul and Clara Jobs, believing them to be his biological parents. As he grew older and learned the truth about his adoption, he became curious about his origins. Eventually, he met his biological mother, Joanne, and his sister, Mona Simpson.

The reunion was emotional but positive. Steve respected Joanne’s decision and understood the pressures she had faced as a young woman. The two developed a respectful relationship, though Steve always considered Paul and Clara to be his real parents. Joanne, for her part, was proud of her son’s achievements but remained humble and private. She did not seek recognition or try to associate herself with his fame. Instead, she valued the quiet relationship they shared and the understanding that came with it.

Later Years

In her later years, Joanne continued her work as a speech pathologist and enjoyed a peaceful, private life with her family. She rarely appeared in public and never gave interviews about her famous son. She lived with dignity and grace, choosing to stay out of the spotlight. Her daughter, Mona, often spoke lovingly of her mother, describing her as a strong and caring woman who had faced great challenges with quiet strength. Joanne remained close to Mona and shared a simple, content life surrounded by family and friends. She passed away on January 19, 2018, at the age of 85, leaving behind a story that continues to inspire respect and admiration.

Legacy