Photo Gallery: South Pasadena Mourns Altadena Resident Jodi Taylor- Zens

Hundreds of admirers packed Friday to celebrate the life of South Pasadena icon and Altadena resident Jodi Taylor- Zens, who passed away suddenly last weekend. She was 61.

The popular figure left a legacy in South Pasadena for her involvement in many activities, and was known simply as "Jodi" by many around the city.

Of those present in addition to family members were numerous city dignitaries, members of the Police Department, Chamber members, merchants, former business associates and friends. Jodi was married to Rick Zens, a longtime assistant director of ther local Bristol Farms market. Her kids, Shari and Earl (aka Buffy) eulogized her along with other family members.

Jodi was originally a photographer and journalist with the South Pasadena Review, then became executive director of the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, where she instituted many innovative concepts. She was also instrumental in organizing the city's gala centennial celebration, the Rialto fete (which was attended by Zsa Zsa Gabor). She was also one of the forces behind the founding of SPEF (South Pasadena Educational Foundation) and their big annual event, "Party Gras." She was also a well-known figure at the city's annual 4th of July, which she helped organize and host on local television (she also hosted  a weekly cable TV show).

She later joined Bristol Farms as a marketing director, and spent the last few  years in the same position at Paseo Colorado in Pasadena. Rick and Jodi lived in Altadena, where a reception was held following the services.