Shirley Jensen

Shirley Dawn O’Dell Jensen was born on May 7, 1937 and died May 16, 2009. Shirley was the tenth child of Clayton and Myrtle O’Dell, born in the state of Michigan. She married at the age of 16 and gave birth to eight children, five who survived into adulthood: William (Billy) Bordeau (Died 1989), Barbara Jensen Oxenrider, Robert Jensen, Bruce Jensen and Brenda Jensen Silveira.

In 1964, Mom moved to Santa Cruz, CA to start the next chapter of her life. She met H. Ring Jensen of Denmark; they married February 21, 1970. They lived in Santa Cruz until 1972 and the family moved to Santa Clara. Ca. Soon after Ring adopted Barbara, Robert, Bruce and Brenda

Mom worked many years as an X-ray Dark Room Technician and receptionist for the Sunnyvale Medical Clinic. She was involved with each of her children’s lives and her husband’s. They moved to Milpitas and bought their first home when the children were grown. They later moved back to Santa Cruz until Ring retired. In 2004, Shirley and Ring moved to Williamsburg, Michigan, returning to her roots, where she lived the rest of her days.

Mom enjoyed laughing and spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading books, solving puzzles, watching movies, playing video games and chatting on Instant Messenger. She was very proud of her garden and flowers. She loved watching birds and other animals that would come into her yard. She especially loved seeing the family of Bald Eagles that would fly by.

Mom enjoyed traveling and getting to know her in-laws and Ring’s native Denmark. She loved to cook and we all enjoyed her Danish cooking of Frikadellers and sweet and sour cabbage. She never lived life in regrets. She had a unique quality and was well liked. Strangers never stayed strangers for long.

We also would like to say our Thanks to Ring, who was there with her over the last 40+ years, who made her rainy days seem like sunshine, her time of sorrow turned to joy. You were the love of her life. Thank you so much for caring for all of us.

Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Wife and Friend, We all miss you so much and we thank you for all you have done, touching each of us in your own unique and wonderful way. Our memories of you will live forever.

She is remembered by all, Helge Ring Jensen, husband, Ella and Claus Pedersen, sister and brother-in-law, Christian and Nina Pedersen, nephew and niece, Barbara and Bill Oxenrider, daughter and son-in-law, Ethan Oxenrider, grandson and 7 great grand children and 1 great-great grand child

Amanda Oxenrider McDonald and Kelly, granddaughter and husband

Jake Oxenrider, grandson, Justin and Dayna Oxenrider, grandson and wife and 3 great grandchildren, Robert Jensen and Lisa, Son Robbie Hayes, grandson, Angel Jensen, granddaughter and 2 great grandchildren, Sarah Jensen Morton & John Morton, granddaughter and husband and 3 great grandchildren, Bruce and Nancy Jensen, Son and wife Brian and Katie Jensen, grandson and wife, Jean Jensen, granddaughter, Julie Jensen, Crider and Steven, granddaughter and husband, Brenda Silveira, daughter, Jeffery Silveira, grandson, Jenniffer Silveira, Granddaughter, Sister Alice Larkin and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial gathering for family and friends will be held 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the home of Bruce and Nancy Jensen, 571 Marisa Dr, Patterson, California. Private Interment and family Graveside Memorial will be at the San Joaquin National Cemetery, Gustine (Santa Nella) California. Instead of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Shirley to the Munson Hospice House, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Lovingly submitted by Bruce Clayton Jensen, Son