Kathleen Mary Jenkins

Born in Providence, Rhode Island to Theresa A. (Duffy) and Francis E. Little Jr. Esq. She was the oldest of six children in an Irish Catholic family.

A graduate of Rhode Island College, Kathy began her career in Physical Education in the Providence School District followed by schools in Ohio and New Jersey before moving to New Hampshire, where she spent the remainder of her career educating the children of the Hooksett School District primarily at the Fred C. Underhill School. In addition, Kathy was a coach for various sports in Rhode Island, New Jersey and New Hampshire as well as served as Athletic Director for the Hooksett School District. Most recently, Kathy earned a Master of Education degree from Southern New Hampshire University. She loved teaching, often bragging about her students’ accomplishments.

Her love for sports and physical activity was evident in any arena her children were playing in, especially around the pool deck. Often the loudest person in the stands, Kathy wore the “Swim Mom” badge proudly, never missing a meet and serving as a cheerleader for all swimmers on the various teams her children were a part of, including when her children went on to their individual collegiate teams. Kathy herself was an athlete, competing in various sports but with a particular passion for basketball, competing in the Junior Olympics and on the Rhode Island College team.

Outside of her duties as teacher and swim parent, Kathy enjoyed all things history, rooting for any New England sports team, and keeping up with current events. She found joy by the water, traveling around New England and attending plays with her girlfriends and spending quality time with her family.

Kathy had a quick sense of humor and a big heart. She could talk to anyone about anything, then report back her findings to anyone who would listen. Not one to talk about herself, she was often more concerned with what was happening in your life, offering advice and encouragement as she listened. Her children were her pride and joy, listening to her eldest talk endlessly about cars, marveling at her other sons Lego builds or having quality time with her daughter. She cherished her time spent with them.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Richard H. Jenkins II, her beloved children Richard H. Jenkins III of Quincy, MA, Robert S. Jenkins of Bow, NH, and Kathleen (Katie) M. Jenkins of Bow, NH. Brothers Francis E. Little III and his wife Colleen of Hope Valley, RI, John M. Little and his wife Kerri of Cumberland, RI, and sisters Joan T. Pieroni and her husband Edward of East Greenwich, RI and Theresa A. Assunto and her husband Joseph of Jaffrey, NH, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and a great-nephew.

She was predeceased by her son Matthew F. Jenkins, brother James J. Little and her parents.

Calling hours will be Wednesday February 12th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N Main Street, Concord, NH 03301. A memorial service at the same location will be held on Thursday February 13th at 11:00 am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Bow Fire Department, 10 Grandview Road, Bow, NH 03304 or to the American Cancer Society, 2 Commerce Drive, Suite 210, Bedford, NH 03110 or www.cancer.org/donate.