Joan Ellen Jenkins

Joan Ellen Jenkins, wife of Matthew M. Crocker, passed away on November 25th, 2017. She was born in Los Angeles on May 24, 1967 and spent the first 21 years of her life as one of the few conservatives in Southern California. She spent her remaining years on the East Coast, in Washington D.C. and Suburban Philadelphia working as a social butterfly among some of the greatest minds of our time. She lived her life knowing that there's always someone better off and worse off than you. It's just as important to reach up as it is to reach out, and helping to make the world a better place will bring you great joy.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her father, Richard D. Jenkins of Portage, WI; two brothers, James M. Jenkins and Daniel D. Jenkins, both of Santa Barbara, CA; and her daughter Charlotte W. Crocker, who was the light of her life and made her happy beyond measure. She was preceded in death by her mother Kay E. (Wescott) Jenkins, and a brother Keith R. Jenkins.

Joan will be remembered for her great love and skill of organizing. From planning trips or family reunions, scavenger hunts, dinners and office parties, she loved doing it all. Her family will treasure their summer vacations in the Dells in Wisconsin, spending time together laughing, playing and fighting as all loving families do. She prayed that the entire extended family would be able to get together to celebrate her life after she passed. Memorial services will be held at Portage United Methodist Church, 1804 New Pinery Road, Portage, Wisconsin, on Sunday, December 17, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. Inurnment will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. 

Joan had great love for her many nieces and nephews. Each one held a special place in her heart and she would like to remind them to never be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with intelligence and you will live the most amazing life.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Homes in Portage is assisting the family.