Ardath Jenkins

September 10, 1931 – March 26, 2026

Ardath Allison Jenkins ("Ardie") passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Unfailingly quick to offer a smile and laugh, Ardie enjoyed a long, rich, and adventurous life.

Ardie was born September 10, 1931, in Los Angeles, CA, to Claude Allison and Magdelene Magnuson, with her sister Nancy soon joining the family.

Ardie attended L.A. High (class of 1949) and graduated from the University of Southern California in 1953. She married Arthur Gordon Jenkins on June 25, 1955 (later divorced). Three children ensued: Allison, Bruce and Brad. In addition to her kids, Ardie–affectionately known as Mor Mor– is survived by her cherished grandchildren (Alexa, Maggie, Finn, Isabelle, Anneka, and Rachel), great-grandchildren (Ivy, Adeline and Clara), her niece Elana, and her loving daughters-in-law Megan, Carrie and son-in-law Ed.

The family moved to West Barrington, RI, in 1964 where Ardie found an exquisite house at the end of Appian Way, nestled on Mouscochuck Beach and Narragansett Bay. For over 50 years Ardie and the Jenkins clan hosted a vibrant community of friends, kids, beloved dogs and other assorted animals (including Brad's pet raccoon), often punctuated by beach bonfires and annual clambakes.

Sensing that she needed more adventure in her life, Ardie became a travel agent in the late 1970s and proceeded to explore the world, from trekking in the Andes to chartering yachts through the Greek Isles, from India and Singapore to Tahiti and Bora Bora. Many of her clients returned over-and-over for yet another Ardie-designed travel adventure. While in her 80s, she undertook The Great Walk of Africa, together with her longtime partner and acclaimed mountaineer, Allen Steck.

A self-taught gourmet cook, Ardie hosted elaborate dinner gatherings and even taught cooking classes. Good food, music and wine were bedrock principles of Ardie's approach to life.

Ardie had an uncanny ability to find the joy and beauty in nearly every occasion. A celebration of life will take place this summer.