Nancy Garrett Jenkins, 95, passed away peacefully in Whittier, California on June 26, 2013 surrounded by friends. Nancy was born to the late John and Rebecque Garrett on April 30, 1918, in Pasadena, California. Nancy was home schooled until the seventh grade and upon completing high school at the age of 16, Nancy attended Occidental College on a full scholarship. She graduated from college Phi Beta Kappa. She then began her professional career as an elementary school teacher in Burbank.

Nancy and Albert E Jenkins, who preceded Nancy in death in 2004, met and were married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena where the Reverend Jenkins was serving as an associate priest and Nancy was serving as organist. Shortly after their marriage in 1946, The Reverend Jenkins was called to St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Whittier, California as rector. Together, during their 27 year tenure they guided the parish through an amazing growth period and helped to establish two neighboring satellite parishes.

At St. Matthias, Nancy served as organist and choirmaster and at one point composed an original folk mass that was performed in various locales throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. After her husband retired, Nancy continued completely immersed in the church, anchoring several spiritually based groups. She, according to virtually all the members of the church, was the spiritual rudder that guided St. Matthias for the last five decades.

Nancy's talents did not stop with music and organizing. She was a prolific artist with the brush, camera, and stitchery needle. She and Al loved traveling and being involved in peace ministries. They led several "Peace Cruise" pilgrimages to the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Nancy loved reading and writing and has helped St. Matthias preserve its history by writing several historical articles regarding the parishes' development.

Nancy had a lifelong commitment and love for animals. She was an accomplished poet, writer, flower arranger, gardener, storyteller, and friend to all who sought her advice and counsel.

Pasadena Star-News, July 11, 2013