Cathleen Epperson Jensen

Cathleen (Cathi) Epperson Jensen, devoted mother, loving daughter, admired sister, passionate dog lover, and loyal friend, passed away on Wednesday, January 14th after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was 63. Her memorial service will be held on Monday, January 19 at 11:00 AM at Washington Park United Methodist Church at 1955 E. Arizona Ave. Cathi was born September 18, 1945 in Salt Lake City, the first child of Miles and Mary Lou Epperson. Precocious and vibrant, Cathi quickly developed lifelong passions for learning, music, and politics. Academically, she skipped the second grade and graduated near the top of the inaugural class from Skyline High School at 17. Musically, she became an accomplished pianist, performing at family parties and playing duets with her mother, father, and cousins. Politically, she was the proud descendant of the Black family legacy in the Salt Lake City Democratic Party. At 18, Cathi joined the campaign of US Representative Dave King. Her ambition and charisma were evident to all, and upon his successful election in the fall of 1964, she was invited to join his staff in Washington, D.C. During the campaign, she met a young law student, Jerry Jensen, whom she married in March of 1966. After several years living and working on Capitol Hill, the couple settled in Denver in 1967. Cathi soon became the Publicity and Special Events Director for the Denver Dry Goods Company, beginning a long career as a successful businesswoman. Following the births of her children, Jackie in 1970, and Jon in 1972, Cathi was among the first generation of women balancing the dual tasks of leading both at home and at the workplace. Cathi started her real estate career in 1971 and made a fast accession. By the end of the decade, she had risen to be a Vice President and Regional Manager at Grubb & Ellis. She transitioned from residential to commercial real estate when she joined Fuller & Company in 1981, and was a member of their ""Million Dollar Club"" within two years. At Fuller, Cathi met and married her second husband, John Bitzer, in 1983, and later returned to residential real estate as one of the top producers at the Devonshire Company. In the early '90s, the onset of MS, which she fought defiantly throughout her adult life, became more pronounced. Cathi accepted the challenge, partici-pating with the Jimmy Heuga Center and becoming an advocate for persons with disabilities. In her later years, Cathi remained adamantly independent, far beyond what was medically advisable, well in-keeping with her indomitable approach to life. She was blessed to have the support of many dedicated care-takers, and the capable oversight of the Total Longterm Care program. Cathi was also constantly comforted by her three beloved companions, Freddie, Barney, and Bam-Bam, her Westie terriers. Caring and loving to all, an inspiration to her family and friends, and a shining spirit to whomever she met, Cathi will be missed beyond what words can express. She will forever live on in our hearts, memories, and deeds. Cathi was preceded by her father, Miles. She is survived by her mother, Mary Lou; her daughter and granddaughter, Jackie and Haley; her son and his wife, Jon and Amy; her brothers, Randy and Mike; her sister, Sherri; her aunt, Betina; and her cousins, Jo Lee and Susie. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cathleen Jensen Memorial Fund, 440 S. Corona St. Denver, CO 80209.