Following the sudden, untimely death of local historian Kathy Jordan, neighbors and friends have joined together to carry on and complete her project, the historic 7th Street Home and Church Tour, coming up Saturday, May 19th. The historic tour will go on as planned Saturday in honor of its founder, whose passing May 2nd saddened and shocked the entire Valley.

"Last time I saw kathy was on her front porch," recalled neighbor Joe Hatfield. He remembered how happy Jordan was as she opened a box full of brochures for the upcoming tour. He said she looked like she was opening a Christmas present she was so full of joy.

Moving to Grand Junction for his wife led to the purchase of the house across the street from Jordan's just five years ago.

"In Denver we each lived in historic homes and liked the character and liked to do odd jobs and take projects on," Hatfield said.

Soon after moving in, Jordan was at the door with her passion and enthusiasm.

"Kathy came over and welcomed us to the neighborhood and let us know that really, how lucky we were to have picked such a beautiful home in a beautiful location," he remembered.

Kathy's friendship was inspirational for Joe.

"I think I'll just remember her generosity and her kindness," Hatfield said. "And just a great example would be with my son. He's four years old and he's very curious, and every time we went over there he would change the time on their clock and take apart the vacuum," he said with a smile. "We're running around trying to herd him in, but Kathy just sat back and laughed and enjoyed every second of it, and that was really special for me and for my son and my wife."

Lifelong friend Vicki Felmlee shares her thoughts about Kathy.

"This community really benefited from her drive and her motivation," she stated. "She was so interested in just not history, but also people, the people behind history and people who are living today."

Kathy's perseverance resulted in major accomplishments for 7th Street.

"In the early 80s she discovered that the National Park Service has this designation (National Register of Historic Places), and she was like, "Well, gee, I think we fit most of the criteria, maybe even all the criteria." And it took her a couple years. She developed this plan to preserve these homes. She presented to the National Park Service and got this designation," recalled Felmlee.

The Jordan's have lived in the beautiful yellow historic house on 7th Street for a long time.

"It's been in her family for several decades," said Felmlee. "Her family acquired the home and eventually Kathy and Teddy moved in."

Remembering her friend, she added, "I think it's important to note that Kathy lived to make sure that we didn't forget the past. I think it's important that for the future we remember Kathy, and let the future know about this remarkable woman."

Friends say Jordan will be remembered as a genuine jewel of our community, and she'll forever be in our history, the history that she so loved.

The 7th Street Historical Home and Church Tour takes place Saturday, May 19th from 11am to 4pm. For more information, and how to buy tickets, visit: www.historic7thstreet.org.