Catherine L. Jenkins

Madison / Racine - Catherine L. Jenkins died peacefully on April 16, 2010, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends. She lived an exceptional, joyful life for each of her 98 years.

Catherine LaMack was born on Dec. 10, 1911, in Racine Wisconsin. Her parents were Joseph LaMack and Augusta Svoboda, who had come to the U.S. from Bohemia. Each of her brothers and sisters, Clara, Lester, Harry, and Francie, preceded her in death. They were a bright, energetic family, and their home was filled with books, music, card games, wine, and joyous arguments about the world and the nature of life.

Catherine attended school in Racine, eventually graduating first in her class at Washington Park High School. It was the depression, and her family was poor, so she was not able to go to college. She became a legal secretary and court reporter and her skills were much in demand with lawyers in Racine.

In 1933, while Catherine was working for the Racine Co. district attorney's office, John Dillinger robbed a local bank. One of the reporters covering the story for the Milwaukee Sentinel was LeRoy Jenkins, and that began a courtship and marriage that lasted until LeRoy's death in 1982. LeRoy became so interested in the police stories he was covering that he eventually joined the Racine Police Department and worked his way up to Chief of Police. Catherine was a wonderful life companion for her husband, and helped him achieve much success in his life.

After retirement, they spent winters in the South but remained in Wisconsin most of the year. When LeRoy lost his vision in the mid 1970's, Catherine learned to drive... at age 65! With Catherine at the wheel, they often drove to Madison to enjoy their grandchildren.

Catherine had one son, Jim (Sue Woodford) and three grandchildren, JJ, Liz and Christy, all of whom live in Madison. After LeRoy died in 1982, Catherine continued to live in Racine until 2001, when she moved to Madison to be closer to her family. She lived in her own apartment, and most recently at Sebring Assisted Living, where she made new friends and enjoyed the caring staff members.

Along with her family, Catherine's great joys in life were literature and the opera. She read widely, on all topics, and was a master at Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. She spent hours listening to Saturday broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, as well as dozens of opera records, tapes and CDs. She attended almost every opera that was produced in Madison, and, until her health made it difficult this year, attended every Opera in the Park with her family.

Catherine's wit and charm were abounding until the day she died. She left an indelible mark on everyone she touched, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2010 at HOSPICECARE, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison. The service will be casual and we invite reminiscences by all. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to either the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts (1-800-MET-OPERA), Wisconsin Public Radio, or HospiceCare Inc., whose wonderful people made Catherine's last days warm and comfortable.