Demrize Campbell Jennings

Demrize (Dee) Campbell Jennings

February 1, 1941 - December 15, 2023

Demrize (Dee) Mary Margaret Campbell Jennings, 82 passed away in Stockton, California on December 15, 2023 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's and a long goodbye that left nothing unsaid.

Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts on February 1, 1941 to parents Marjorie Helen Champagne and Martin Patrick Campbell, she proudly called herself a Yankee and was a lifelong Pats and Red Sox fan.

A self-described prankster and tomboy, she grew up in a strict, Catholic household and answered to the nickname, Denny. As a child, she played a metal clarinet in marching band at Greenfield High School -to which she walked uphill both ways in the snow (to hear her tell it) and chose, "To understand everything, is to forgive everything" as her quote in the class of '59 yearbook.

Most of all, however, it was her dedicated work ethic, can-do spirit and belief that with faith all things are possible that shaped her journey. She rarely stopped moving and seldom sat down. Relocating to California after graduating from cosmetology school in Boston, Dee worked as a hairdresser/confidante/and salon chair therapist throughout her life while also raising three strong, independent daughters, several dogs, a tortoise and a few lucky, well-fed cats.

Humor was her secret weapon, laughter the answer to anything and everything. She will be remembered most, perhaps, for her beautiful smile.

It was a smile she used to win over one of the great loves of her life, Richard (Dick) Jennings, her husband of twenty three years. Together they built a life rich in family, friendship, RV adventures, golfing, boating, Elks club events and celebrations, backyard, parties (bonus points if there was an opportunity to dress in theme) and most of all love.

Her family was her passion and inspiration. Dee never met a stranger because she treated everyone like a friend and was charitable and generous to those in need.

Music was a constant soundtrack to her days, and even after so many memories had been taken from her, the lyrics to her favorite songs (especially those by Anne Murray) remained -and it can be said that she was dancing to the very end.

A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church (in Lodi and then Stockton), Dee volunteered and demonstrated her commitment on a daily basis. She prized fitness (walking, biking, tai chi, tennis), played the organ, and loved to cook. Her summer tomatoes and zucchinis were legendary and she adored working in the sunshine -never truly being able to tan was quite possibly her greatest disappointment. Dee found ironing relaxing, and it could be said that cleaning was her love language.

Dee is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) Jennings of Stockton CA, daughters: Bonnie McCarthy (Justin McCarthy); Deborah Walsh (Joseph Walsh); Lori McAllister; Diane Eppler (Mark Eppler); Lori Vaz (Andrew Vaz); grandchildren: Dylan McCarthy; Ethan McCarthy; Rylie Walsh; Reese Walsh; Tyler Eppler (Krystal Eppler); Brittani Eppler; Andrea (Markus Porte); Andrew Vaz (Kaylie Vaz); Nicole Harris (Jeremiah Harris); Katie Vaz; and ten great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 2pm at the B.P.O. Elks Lodge in Stockton at 8900 Thornton Road.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Dee's name to Alzheimer's.org, or take a long walk in the sunshine and enjoy every moment -which is exactly what she would want.