Grace "Sue" Jenkins

From: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/News10/06-17-2010-NewsB

City of Scottsdale statements on the passing of Sue Jenkins

The City of Scottsdale is saddened to learn of the passing of Sue Jenkins, former first lady of Scottsdale and noted community advocate. Sue Jenkins was married to Bill Jenkins, who served as Scottsdale Mayor from 1974 to 1980 and as a City Council member from 1966 to 1974. Bill Jenkins passed away in 2008.

Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane
“As a former first lady of Scottsdale, Sue Jenkins was a prominent and devoted citizen. She supported her husband, Bill, during his tenure as Scottsdale’s mayor, but she also personally served this community with a quiet passion and grace. Her passing is truly a loss for Scottsdale.”

Councilman Wayne Ecton
“Sue was one of the library’s most passionate and strongest advocates.  She knew the library was a place of learning, interaction, art and safety for our young and seniors.  She will be missed.”

From: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?n=grace-jenkins-sue&pid=143635062

Jenkins, Grace (Sue)
passed away peacefully at the age of 79, on June 16, 2010. Sue was a beloved wife, mother and sister. She suffered a massive stroke on Sunday, June 13, while singing the last notes of an Old Irish Blessing with the choir at the Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ where she was a charter member. Sue had a big heart for service and she always thought of others first. Sue was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in the Berkshire mountain region of western Mass. She graduated from Springfield Technical High School. Sue attended Arizona State College in Tempe, and during summer breaks worked at the Grand Canyon National Park as a waitress (Harvey Girl) at the Bright Angel Lodge where she met her husband and love of her life, Bill. They were married for over 57 years. Sue is predeceased by her husband, William C (Bill) Jenkins (former Mayor of Scottsdale) and was Scottsdale's "First Lady" from 1974-1980. Sue is survived by her daughter Debbie Pirong (and husband Jim), and son Mark Jenkins (and wife Gaye). Words cannot express the countless contributions she made to her church, City of Scottsdale, friends and family who loved her very, very much. During her 36 years of employment with Arizona Public Service, Sue was involved in several projects under company sponsorship. One of the most notable being the Arizona Clean and Beautiful project where she was a member of the board of directors. She really enjoyed working with the Scottsdale-McCormick Ranch Kiwanis Club and spent tireless hours raising funds for their very special projects. Her dedication and years of volunteer service to the Scottsdale Library system are well known. In 2004, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award, which is given to Americans who dedicate at least 4,000 hours over the course of their lives to serving others. In November 2008, Sue and her late husband Bill received the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Award from Arizona State University. A celebration of her life will be held on October 16th at Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ 4425 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale. Contributions can be made to: Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ, Scottsdale Civic Center Library, Scottsdale Historical Society Museum, and Hospice of the Valley.

From: http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/ScottsdaleRepLetters/88357

Sue Jenkins reached out to neighbors below border

Sue Jenkins was the most active first lady Scottsdale ever had.

Sue and Bill were instrumental in helping Scottsdale reach out to our neighbors to the south, even having Spanish lessons in the mayor's office for us to better communicate with the former silver capital of Mexico, our new sister city of Alamos in Sonora.

We tried hard not to laugh at Mayor Bill's “Bienvenidos, nuestro amigos y venga a Scottsdale muy pronto.”

Sue bonded with the proprietors of Casa de Los Tesoros the converted Catholic convent/hotel we stayed in, got us tours of an American expatriate home in the historic Alamos Centro and exchanged regalos with the mujer prima of Alamos.

Sue and Bill lived a rich life, and a modest one at the same time. As the Indian Bend Wash came to its final fruition during Bill's last term as mayor, charming townhouses were built to front along the fingers of the wash east of Eldorado Park in far-south Scottsdale . They still lived there when each of them passed away these past two years. On their back gate is a sign, “Back door guests are always the best.”

Sue and Bill always made certain that everyone who visited and lived here were welcome at both Scottsdale 's fancy front door and our friendly back door.

--Sam Campana, Scottsdale

 The writer served on the City Council from 1988 to 2000, the last four years as mayor.