Catherine Winifred "Cathy" Jenkins (née Copland), age 88, of Barrington, Illinois—formerly of Lake Summerset and Northbrook—passed away on November 22, 2025, in South Barrington, Illinois, from the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Born on March 11, 1937, in Uniontown, Ohio, Cathy was the beloved firstborn daughter of Forbes and Mary Ann Copland (DeCosmo). In May 1938, she welcomed her younger brother, James "Jim" Copland. Though their early years were marked by moves between Ohio and Pennsylvania, Cathy and Jim grew up surrounded by a large and loving extended family. Their mother's Italian heritage brought them close to dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins—a bond that remained strong throughout Cathy's life. She attended Juniata Valley High School in Pennsylvania.
On September 26, 1959, at the age of 22, Cathy married Dale Harmon Jenkins. The couple began their life together in Chicago while Dale pursued his degree at Northwestern University. They later moved to the Milwaukee suburbs when Dale accepted a position with Allis Chalmers. In the early 1970s, they settled in Northbrook, Illinois, where they welcomed their only child, a daughter named Gina Rose, in 1974.
In the mid-1980s, Cathy answered a personal calling to serve others through healthcare. She earned her R.N. and embarked on a fulfilling 17-year nursing career at Evanston Hospital and later Glenbrook Hospital. Her compassion and dedication left lasting impressions on both her patients and colleagues. After retiring from nursing, Cathy continued her professional journey with Liberty Mutual and Chubb insurance companies, specializing in workers compensation casework. She found great satisfaction in this work and developed many meaningful friendships along the way.
Cathy cherished her roots and maintained close ties with her extended family through annual reunions in Canton, Ohio—joyful gatherings that allowed her to reconnect with cherished relatives. She also shared a love for boating with Dale; together they explored the Chain O'Lakes and the Illinois River from Seneca, often taking overnight trips to river towns like Peoria. In 2004, they moved to Lake Summerset where they continued boating and became active members of the local community through various clubs and friendships.
In 2017, Cathy and Dale relocated to Barrington to live with Gina's family. Throughout their marriage of nearly 65 years, Cathy and Dale were devoted animal lovers who supported numerous animal welfare organizations including Save-A-Pet (Grayslake), Hooved Animal Humane Society (Barrington Hills), Hoo Haven (Durand), and the ASPCA.
Cathy lived a life defined by service—to her family, her patients, her friends, and even to strangers. Whether as a mother, daughter, nurse or friend, she gave selflessly without hesitation. Her quiet strength and servant's heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Forbes and Mary Ann Copland; her brother Jim; and her husband Dale. She is survived by her daughter Gina Williams (Ron); grandchildren Shannon, Corinne, Jeffrey; and step-granddaughter Michaela Todd (Maxwell).
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Encore Memory Care of South Barrington for their exceptional compassion during Cathy's final months. They also wish to thank North Shore Compassionate Care for their dedicated in-home support before Cathy's transition to memory care following a hip injury in June 2024.
Services will not be held as the family chooses to mourn privately. In lieu of flowers, notes of remembrance or donations made in Cathy's name to an animal welfare or rescue organization would be deeply appreciated.
And hug a nurse today.
Born on March 11, 1937, in Uniontown, Ohio, Cathy was the beloved firstborn daughter of Forbes and Mary Ann Copland (DeCosmo). In May 1938, she welcomed her younger brother, James "Jim" Copland. Though their early years were marked by moves between Ohio and Pennsylvania, Cathy and Jim grew up surrounded by a large and loving extended family. Their mother's Italian heritage brought them close to dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins—a bond that remained strong throughout Cathy's life. She attended Juniata Valley High School in Pennsylvania.
On September 26, 1959, at the age of 22, Cathy married Dale Harmon Jenkins. The couple began their life together in Chicago while Dale pursued his degree at Northwestern University. They later moved to the Milwaukee suburbs when Dale accepted a position with Allis Chalmers. In the early 1970s, they settled in Northbrook, Illinois, where they welcomed their only child, a daughter named Gina Rose, in 1974.
In the mid-1980s, Cathy answered a personal calling to serve others through healthcare. She earned her R.N. and embarked on a fulfilling 17-year nursing career at Evanston Hospital and later Glenbrook Hospital. Her compassion and dedication left lasting impressions on both her patients and colleagues. After retiring from nursing, Cathy continued her professional journey with Liberty Mutual and Chubb insurance companies, specializing in workers compensation casework. She found great satisfaction in this work and developed many meaningful friendships along the way.
Cathy cherished her roots and maintained close ties with her extended family through annual reunions in Canton, Ohio—joyful gatherings that allowed her to reconnect with cherished relatives. She also shared a love for boating with Dale; together they explored the Chain O'Lakes and the Illinois River from Seneca, often taking overnight trips to river towns like Peoria. In 2004, they moved to Lake Summerset where they continued boating and became active members of the local community through various clubs and friendships.
In 2017, Cathy and Dale relocated to Barrington to live with Gina's family. Throughout their marriage of nearly 65 years, Cathy and Dale were devoted animal lovers who supported numerous animal welfare organizations including Save-A-Pet (Grayslake), Hooved Animal Humane Society (Barrington Hills), Hoo Haven (Durand), and the ASPCA.
Cathy lived a life defined by service—to her family, her patients, her friends, and even to strangers. Whether as a mother, daughter, nurse or friend, she gave selflessly without hesitation. Her quiet strength and servant's heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Forbes and Mary Ann Copland; her brother Jim; and her husband Dale. She is survived by her daughter Gina Williams (Ron); grandchildren Shannon, Corinne, Jeffrey; and step-granddaughter Michaela Todd (Maxwell).
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Encore Memory Care of South Barrington for their exceptional compassion during Cathy's final months. They also wish to thank North Shore Compassionate Care for their dedicated in-home support before Cathy's transition to memory care following a hip injury in June 2024.
Services will not be held as the family chooses to mourn privately. In lieu of flowers, notes of remembrance or donations made in Cathy's name to an animal welfare or rescue organization would be deeply appreciated.
And hug a nurse today.
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