On Monday, December 22, 2025, Peggy Jenkin, age 85, of Turlock, California died peacefully with her family at her side. Her life drew to a close just as it had been lived; with grace, thoughtfulness, and an unwavering faith in her Lord.
Peggy was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Eleanore and George Stanton. Soon after her sister Sally arrived, the family moved to Goodyear, Arizona where they grew up. A devoted daughter and, later, daughter-in-law, she remained deeply connected to her family throughout her life, and no matter how many miles separated them, she and Sally stayed in close and loving contact.
In 1955, she met Craig Jenkin, and they began dating while in high school. After graduating from Arizona State University, Peggy went on to earn her teaching credential and marry Craig in 1963, settling in Los Angeles while Craig finished dental school.
They moved to Turlock, California in 1965 and as Craig built his dental practice, Peggy became deeply involved in volunteer work, an involvement that expanded steadily over the decades. Peggy dedicated herself to her children’s schools and community through roles including PTA president, room mother, catechism teacher, Cub/Boy Scout leader, and performing dental health puppet shows. She also served as president of the Stanislaus Dental Auxiliary and was active in the American Association of University Women.
After a 24-year maternity leave to raise her family that didn’t include much “staying at home”, Peggy returned to the classroom, first as a substitute and then teaching at a number of local schools, including most of her career at Crowell Elementary School where she made so many teaching friends and mentored student teachers. We’ve met so many of her former students who delight in recalling Mrs. Jenkin’s kindergarten classroom of discovery, her collection of puppets, and a love of storytelling.
Anyone who knew our mom knew her unwavering faith and a life that reflected Christ’s teachings through kindness, selflessness, and service. Peggy truly had a servant’s heart. Over the years, she served her church in many roles, including Catechism leader and Communion minister, and she led and supported numerous ministries, such as the Ministry of the Sick, visiting those in hospitals or unable to attend church, as well as prayer shawl and rosary-making ministries. After Dad died, she led and expanded GriefShare, finding deep joy in helping those who were mourning discover comfort and community at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She also volunteered her time and efforts to the We Care and Turlock Gospel Mission shelters, quietly serving wherever there was a need.
Peggy Jenkin was a living example of Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” She was known by her many friends for her remarkable generosity and warm hospitality, and all were welcome in our family home. Peggy was admired for her kindness, reliability, and quiet strength - always willing to listen and to help wherever she was needed most, she was never judgmental or critical. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, supported, taught, and inspired throughout her life.
Throughout her life, and especially since her cancer diagnosis, she has shared her guiding meditation “God is God. And I am not. Thy will be done.” Her radiant smile, paired with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor, left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Peggy leaves behind a family who will treasure their memories of a life well lived and all of its adventures. She is survived by:
Son Keith and his wife Denise (Bakersfield, CA); grandson Kevin (Marlene) and their great-grand children Dane and Aspen (Bakersfield, CA); and grandson Brian (Oxnard, CA). Son Barry and his wife Diane (Chowchilla, CA) and grandchildren Spencer (Corey) (Ventura, CA), Riley (Chico, CA) and Connor (Reno, NV). Daughter Jodi and her husband Robert (Brea, CA) and grandchildren Rachel and Jason (Brea, CA).
Her sister Sally and her husband Ken (Goodyear, AZ) and their children: son John (deceased) and his wife Ingrid (Portland, OR) and daughter Lynn, her husband Don along with their children Conner and Lydia (Colorado Springs, CO)
We are deeply grateful to the entire teams at Stanford Women’s Cancer Center and Emanuel Cancer Center for giving us two additional years of memories with Peggy, and to the team at SEVA Hospice for helping us care for her in her final weeks. Their kindness, compassion, and guidance meant more to our family than words can express.
Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, with a lunch reception to follow. For those who cannot attend, the funeral will be available on the church YouTube channel: @SacredHeartChurchTurlockIn lieu of flowers, donations can be made to GriefShare, 1301 Cooper, Turlock, CA 95380; Westside Ministries, P.O. Box 354, Turlock, CA 95381; Salvation Army of Turlock, 893 Lander Avenue, Turlock, CA 95380; or a charity of your choice in her honor.
We ask all who knew her to honor her life with optimism, kindness, and a sense of adventure in your own lives. Truly a life well lived. What a privilege to grieve so deeply because we were loved so well.
