Shirley J. (Jevne) Jensen

Shirley J. Jensen

Age 91 of Longwood at Oakmont, formerly of Eau Claire WI, Richmond, WA, Bethel Park, PA, Whitehall, PA, Hidden Valley, PA, Jennerstown, PA, and Sun City Hilton Head, SC, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Dr. James Ejler Jensen; loving mother of James D. Jensen (Dawn), Karrie A. Ringelsetter (Gary "Ringo"), John F. Jensen (Linda), Kathryn H. Demetri (George), Rebecca A. Hanley and Robert K. Jensen; cherished grandmother of Justin, Stacey, Aaron, Heidi, Peter, Mary, John, Christopher, Athena, Sophia, Molly and Mike; and great grandmother of Julianna, Gavin, Jackson, Huxley, Remi, Cole and Connor; dear sister of Vonnie Stearns and the late Dennis Jevne; also survived by nieces and nephews.

Shirley graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1952 with a degree in home economics. She led a very active college life at the university involved in Phi Upsilon Omicron, Hoofers, Euthenics, Winter Carnival and President of Elizabeth Waters Dorm. She was an officer of the Student Board where she met her husband, Jim Jensen.   Shirley and Jim were married in 1953 after graduation from UW.  Beginning in 1957 Shirley and Jim began their family with the first of 6 adoptions.  She loved children and planned to adopt triplets after the initial six adoptions. 

She began her career as a Dietitian first in Hanford WA, then in Marion Manor and Allegheny Valley General Hospital in Pittsburgh PA, she helped establish the South Hills Meals on Wheels Program and started the Meals on Wheel Program in Somerset County.

Shirley was an avid skier at Hidden Valley, a member of the National Audubon Society, a member of numerous garden and book clubs, she volunteered at Power Mill Nature Reserve in Rector PA, and the Hunting Island Nature Center in Beaufort SC.  She loved sailing with the UW Hoofer Club on lake Mendota Madison, WI, Deer Valley Lake in Fort Hill, PA and the Severn River in MD.

She loved playing and listening to music including remotely attending the Metropolitan Opera.  She played the flute in marching band in high school, was an organist and piano player at Stewart Avenue Lutheran Church and played the hammer dulcimer in the Sun City Hilton Head Strummers, and was a member of the Bell Ringers Club.

Shirley loved teaching many games including her favorite Mahjongg. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, in her church through Bethel Bible Study Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Stephen’s Ministry.  She loved to learn and was active in starting the Adult Education Program at the University of SC, Beaufort. She was a world traveler enjoying Tauck Tours, skiing in the US and Europe and coordinating Elder Hostel Events.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 18th from 2 p.m. until the memorial service at 3 p.m. at the Deer Valley YMCA Camp, 254 Deer Valley Drive, Fort Hill, PA 15540.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions to the Deer Valley YMCA Camp – Lakeview Lodge Campaign 254 Deer Valley Drive, Fort Hill, PA 15540.

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