Jodi Ann Nathenson, 54, of Urbana, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, April 5, 2014 with her loving husband Denny by her side.

Jodi was born December 2, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois to James and Barbara Nathenson. She resided in Champaign-Urbana for the past 37 years.

Jodi is survived by her husband and soul mate of 23 years Dennis Prinn, her parents, James and Barbara Nathenson, sisters, Jamie Nathenson and Jill (John Mortimer) Nathenson- Galvin, brothers, Jeff (Pat) Nathenson and Jon (Jill) Nathenson, nieces, Carrie, Mallory and Jessica, nephews, Evan, Ethan, Jake, Jared and Andrew, her cats, Sam, Roady, Oscar and Stevie.

Jodi graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a Masters in Art Education. She taught high school art for over 20 years at Rantoul High School, and devoted much personal time mentoring students.

She loved her family, her animals and people. She was a humanitarian and reached out to help anyone that was down on their luck. She had a knack for bringing in homeless animals, and treated every living creature with compassion and respect.

Jodi enjoyed travel, music, drama, literature and above all her family. She especially loved being near the ocean.

A ceremony celebrating Jodi's life will be held at a future date for family and friends.

Because of her passionate love for her animals, donations to honor Jodi can be made to the Humane Society in your area.

Her will to live exceeded her physical capacity, and she touched all she knew through her courageous fight against cancer. The family would like to say a special thank you to Gloria Valenti of Diversified Services, and friends and neighbors for their loving care of Jodi during her difficult struggle.