3 weeks Ago
May 5, 1948 - April 5, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stephanie Gevurtz Jennings, aged 76, of Simi Valley, California, on April 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Her loss leaves a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, and the countless people she inspired. Born in Los Angeles, CA, to Dr.
William S. and Zelma Gevurtz, Stephanie was a devoted mother to her three children, Zel (deceased), Melissa, and Sarah; proud grandmother to Lauryn, William, and Zackary; sister to Diane and Jack; aunt to Mike, Vickie, and Heidi; mother-in-law to Eric Thomas and Joshua Ludwick; and a cherished colleague and friend to many throughout her life. Stephanie grew up in Los Angeles and Butte, Montana, where she developed a deep love for community service.
She graduated from Butte High School in 1966, where she met her future husband, Paul Jennings. Stephanie graduated from Montana State University in 1972 with a degree in education, and she and Paul went on to have three daughters. She was an active member of the Montana Jaycees, and her commitment to service continued throughout her life.
In her professional career, Stephanie worked in public relations, starting with Montana Congressman Pat Williams and later with the EPA and DOE on environmental projects across the U.S. She was a passionate advocate for veterans, leading efforts to honor Vietnam veterans, and was honored with a flag flown in her name over the U.
S. Capitol. After retiring, Stephanie worked as a coach for Weight Watchers and dedicated her time to Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley, serving as President in 2022-2023.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her father, mother, daughter Zel, sister Diane, and niece Vicki. She is survived by her daughters Melissa Thomas (Eric), Sarah Jennings (Joshua), and her beloved grandchildren Lauryn, William, and Zackary. Her grandson Zackary captures her spirit best in his own words: Stephanie was an exceptional mother, grandmother, friend and mentor.
She displayed countless acts of love to family, friends and even strangers every day. To say she was a great person is not only an understatement but a minimization of her integrity and the strength of her character. The name and memory of Stephanie Jennings will live in the hearts and minds of many people.
Stephanie virtually dedicated her life to helping and serving others through organizations like Kiwanis and Weight Watchers and donations to charity. She was always there for those who needed help. "G" was the wisest person I know and she would give us life advice with a smile on her face.
She was truly inspirational every day completing her workout routine, helping people tirelessly and walking every day while facing the struggles of COPD. Although she had COPD she never let it consume her thoughts or hold her back and always stayed positive. Stephanie Jennings is without a doubt someone we should all aspire to be and to follow her example of frequent acts of love, strength, perseverance and kindness.
A memorial service will be held on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mt.
Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries in Simi Valley (6150 Mt. Sinai Drive). A reception will follow at 12:30 p.
m. Details for the reception will be provided at the service or by request. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to a scholarship fund being established in Stephanie's name; details will be available soon on the mortuary website under Memorials where you can also share and read additional tributes.
https://mountsinaiparks.org/obituaries/ ..
