Dr. Catherine Jenkins

Dr. Catherine Leigh Masterson Jenkins, 55, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at her home.

Prior to retiring due to disability, Cathy had been a pediatrician in Pickerington, Ohio, more than 20 years.

She was born Oct. 1, 1958, in Chicago. She spent her childhood years in Cape Girardeau, graduating from Central High School in 1977.

Cathy was the second of five daughters born to Gerald "Bud" and Melba Masterson, now living in Panama City, Fla. Cathy married her husband, Dean, in 1978 and moved away to begin their lives together. Dean was a loving, supportive husband, "her rock" for 35 years. They had resided in the Columbus, Ohio, area since 1989.

She graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1984 (B.S. in biology) and the University of Tennessee College of Medicine (M.D.) in 1989. She completed her residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital in Columbus, prior to joining Pediatric Associates.

Despite her immediate family being separated by so many miles they had remained exceptionally close. With the help of the Internet, she was in contact with her parents, sisters and her sister's children on a daily basis. She had a large extended family with many cousins, nieces, nephews, who will all miss her dearly.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by aunts, Leah Richardson and Joyce Holloway of Cape Girardeau; sisters, Diane (Bub) York of Cape Girardeau, Gail (Bo) Loyd of Jackson's Gap, Ala., Catrece (Jim) Morton of Hendersonville, N.C., and Leana (Jeff) Neal of Chattanooga, Tenn. Also grieving are Dean's family, a brother, Bobby Jenkins of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; sisters, Sandy (Ron) Webster of Lubbock, Texas, and Melva (Don) Taylor of Statesville, Ga.

The greatest joys in her life were the times she spent with children. She often said she didn't need children of her own to love because she had so many nieces and nephews to love and spoil. She loved them all dearly and was looking forward to spending more time with them as they were starting families of their own.

Of course as a pediatrician she saw many children on a daily basis. The feelings she had toward her patients went far beyond the normal doctor-patient relationship. She truly loved them, cared for them, and was there to support them. But perhaps her most important trait was that she enjoyed children and found humor in so many things they did.

At her request, there will not be a public service. Her family is planning a private gathering to mourn their loss and celebrate her life.

Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service in Columbus was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nationwide Children's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or any organization of your choosing that supports children or the rights of women.

Visit schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Cathy.