Jennie Joyce Curry was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico to John C. and Joyce Curry.  She remained in NM until her marriage in 1982 when she was swept away to California.

Jennie grew up with a tough and principled father, a frugal and industrious mother, and four large, rambunctious and mischievous brothers.  She learned the value of hard work, respect, loyalty and contentment in a very loving, God-centered home.  After graduating from Las Cruces High School, she attended New Mexico State University with an emphasis in Special Education.

During her senior year she met Tim Toews, who was visiting friends while they (and Jennie) were participating in a Campus Crusade for Christ project in Newport Beach.  Tim and Jennie saw each other sporadically (roller-skating, going to the beach and eating ice cream) over the next six days, then Tim returned to California.  He was heart-struck, but Jennie's intentions were difficult to measure – she was always kind and unassuming to everyone.

It took the lily-livered Tim two months to muster the courage to call her.  She wrote back.  After a year of letters, phone calls and infrequent visits, Tim put a ring in the middle of a double chocolate Swenson's ice cream cone, and she said "Yes!".  Fortunately, she loved chocolate!

Their honeymoon was a trek to San Jose in an old pickup, pulling a U-Haul trailer, with stops in Deming, Palm Springs and Carmel.  It was glorious.

Their home for the next five years was a trailer on a cattle ranch, where Jennie felt isolated, but kept herself busy as a caterer and legal aid; she rarely complained.

They rented an old house in Gilroy for a year after Tim changed employers, then it was back into a smaller trailer, on another cattle ranch, next to a mushroom farm!  Their first son was now in tow, and a daughter soon arrived.  Because there were no bedrooms, their daughter slept in the bath tub.

After two years they had saved enough money to start construction on a home in Gilroy, and Jennie eventually had the house she deserved.

They found a wonderful church, South Valley Community, where Jennie developed deep and lifelong friendships.  She donated her kidney to one of her friends, and had no apprehension doing it.

Another daughter and son were born.  Jennie managed the childcare at Gilroy Fitness, a job where she could bring her children along, for nine years.  There she met other young mothers who she developed lasting friendships with.  Everyone loved her.

Jennie and Tim decided to start their own equine veterinary practice.  Jennie managed the office and received phone calls.  Her sincere warmth and compassion made her the ultimate receptionist, but bill collection was not her strong suit.  You can guess why.  She dutifully supported the business, but her passion was her family and friends.  She loved to read, swim, and hike, but nothing gave her greater pleasure than laughing with her buddies and kids.

In 2016 she had a routine medical exam.  She wasn't even going to mention the small lump in her breast, but she did.  The cancer was already in her chest, spine, and hip.  Her oncologist said she had a 20% chance of living five years.  Large tumors were discovered in her brain in 2020.  She never complained.  She was the perfect patient, with a will of steel.  But eventually God called her home, the most wonderful woman He ever created.

Jennie is survived by her parents John C. and Joyce Curry, her children Logan (Katie), Madelyn Kramer (Joel), Natalie Wermager (Seth), and Ivan (Jessica), and her brothers John (Darlene), Paul (Mary), and Tim (Robin).  She was preceded in death by her brothers Albert and Herb (Virginia).  Jennie has eight grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at South Valley Community Church on Saturday May 14, 2022 at 10:30 am.  All are welcome to attend.