Jennifer Eltringham

Jennifer Anne Eltringham — more lovingly known as Jenny, Mom, Grammy to her grandkids,
and Grandma Jenny to everyone else — passed away on December 21, 2025, at the age of 73.
Jenny was born on January 30th, 1952, in San Andreas, California, to Ray and Lillian Callahan,
later followed by her brother, Marty Callahan. Since then, Jenny has been intricately tied to the
Angels Camp community. Her grandfather, Tony Tanko, started the well-known well-drilling
business, Tanko Well Drilling, which was responsible for the first community well in Angels
Camp. Jenny attended Mark Twain Elementary School and Bret Harte High School, and
continued to support both schools throughout the rest of her life.
Bret Harte also served as the place where Jenny was introduced to David, or Dave, Eltringham.
In 1967, a great romance blossomed between them that would last for 55 years. The couple had
an expansive friend group, and they created many fond memories that are frequently retold to
this day. Although the couple was briefly separated due to Dave enlisting in the military in 1968,
Dave and Jenny remained in constant contact. Upon his return, the high school sweethearts were
married on August 1, 1970, and had their first child in 1975.
Jenny's impact on the community is well-known to everyone. She served on the Mark Twain
Union Elementary School Board for over 40 years, and in 2025, she received a reward for her
significant contribution to the community. One of her most beloved memories in this role was
her participation in Measure K, a fundraiser that resulted in the construction of a gym at Mark
Twain and a school in Copperopolis in 2004. Jenny also worked with George and Joan Loomis in
their group home for teenage girls. Jenny frequently spoke so lovingly of her time at the home,
and it even led her to take in her foster daughter, Gabby. Some of her other community
involvements included her volunteer work for Cub Scouts, Brownies, 4-H, and FFA.
Jenny's involvement in the community extended farther than formal organizations. She was a
constant presence in Angels Camp and had a very strict daily routine that ensured everyone knew
exactly where to find her. She was always happy to run into people, and somehow managed to
know every single person in Angels Camp. It was this fun and lighthearted spirit mixed with
devotion to community that resulted in her title as Christmas Grand Marshal on November 25,
2023. Jenny was rightfully paraded down Main Street and received a passionate display of love
from the community.
When we think of the name Jenny Eltringham, we think of a woman who knew how to have fun
and how to enjoy life. Jenny was the absolute life of the party and was always up for an
adventure. Some of her escapades included her participation in the Angels Camp demolition
derby; her elaborate holiday decorations; her infamous outfits, including a Christmas tree dress
and a pig onesie; and the constant menagerie of animals at her house, including dogs, chickens, a
rabbit, a turtle, deer, turkeys, and hummingbirds.

Anyone who knew Jenny knew how much family and friends meant to her, and she left this
world with an incredibly intricate support system of love and friendship. Jenny is survived by her
husband, David; her children, Aimee and Jeffery; her foster child, Gabby; her sons-in-law, Drew
and Julian; her daughter-in-law, Kerry; and her beloved grandchildren, Courtney, Norah, Bailey,
Paige, Evan, Micah, Amaya, Elijah, and Moriah. Yet her family extends much farther than those
listed. It includes all the cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who were close to her heart, both in
Angels Camp and outside of it.
Even though Jenny is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to permeate every crevice of
Angels Camp, in both the places and the people. She was a woman who was loved and
appreciated by all, and she will be incredibly missed by everyone. Although we will not see her
at Angel's Food Market with her short curly hair, extravagant t-shirts, and bright Crocs, we have
all been permanently altered by her infectious laugh, beaming smile, and loving heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jennifer Eltringham, please visit our floral store.