Catherine Aurora Jenkins

Catherine Aurora Jenkins was born September 21,1924, in Passaic, N.J., after her parents immigrated to the United States from England. She was one of seven children born to Sarah and Charles Dangerfield.

At the age of 14, Cathie moved with her family back to England. Six months later, World War II broke out and Cathie later served in the WAAFS, the women's division of the Royal Air Force, as a flight mechanic from 1942 to 1945. Here, she met her late husband, George Jenkins, and they married in 1944.

Catherine had three children: Linda Conover of Los Altos Hills; Robert Jenkins of Thousand Oaks; and John Jenkins of San Jose. She has 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Catherine and George Jenkins were married 67 years on September 2nd, 2011. After raising her family, Catherine attended Moorpark College where she earned a teacher's aide certificate. She then went on to become a teacher's aide in Simi Valley at Atherwood elementary school.

With her husband, she lived her dream life in beautiful Simi Valley for 46 years. Six years ago, she and George moved to Sunny View Retirement Community in Cupertino. Catherine was an accomplished artist having painted over 250 oil paintings. In 1982, the Simi Valley Art Association featured her as Artist of the Year. She was a mentor to many and taught many friends and family members to swim, knit, crochet, and to paint.

Catherine's memoirs are recorded in her book, A Star Turn, available through authorhouse.com. Catherine Aurora Jenkins will be surely missed and always remembered. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, October 13, at 2 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks in Westlake Village.