Patricia Anne Jenkins' Obituary
Patricia Anne “PJ” Jenkins, 86, of Decatur, died Sunday, April 1, 2012.
Patricia was born April 30, 1925 in Louisville, KY, daughter of Edward Alexius and Catherine O’Leary Gnau. She attended St. Frances of Rome Catholic Grade School in Louisville, Sacred Heart High School and then went two years at Ursuline College. She then attended St. Louis University and St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO for four years graduating with a Masters in Nursing Administration and Education.
Her career in healthcare began as a registered nurse at M.A. Montgomery Hospital in Charleston. Three years later she took over as the hospitals superintendent. She was then hired as director of nursing for the Charleston Community Hospital when it opened in 1957 and then was selected as their administrator in 1968. Patricia was then hired as associate director at SBLHC and served as acting director in May of 1985.
Patricia believed in giving back to her community and did so by volunteering at various associations/agencies throughout her life. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and enjoyed spending time working at the Hour House in Charleston.
Patricia married Samuel P. Jenkins on January 3, 1948 at St. Rose of Lima Church and he preceded her in death on May 26, 1990. Also preceding her in death were her parents; son, J. Michael Jenkins; two sisters, two brothers, one niece and one nephew.
Surviving is her daughter, Judy Ankrom of Decatur; sons: Samuel P. Karen Jenkins of Washington, D.C., Neil Kim Jenkins of Aurora, David Jenkins of Naperville and Jeffrey Connie Jenkins of Savoy; grandchildren: Angela Thomas Scott and Christopher Tanya Jenkins of Florida, Rebekah Ankrom Casey Baker of Germany, JP Ankrom of Urbana, Jonathan, Ryan and Adam Jenkins of Aurora, David Jenkins, Jr. of Naperville, and Jason Jenkins of Urbana and Justin Jenkins of Del Rio, TX; great grandchildren: Katherine, Corey, Tyler, Joshua and Allison; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will be 11 am, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Charleston with visitation beginning at 9:30 am in the church. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Hour House, 635 Division St., Charleston, IL, 61920.
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