Obituary of Jessie Ann Taylor Jensen

Jessie Ann Taylor Jensen 1929 - 2017 It is with deep sorrow that the family of Jessie Ann Taylor Jensen (nee Leith) announces her sudden passing on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, BC. Jessie was born February 15, 1929 in Kimberly, BC to Jessie Ann Taylor and David Leith. Jessie graduated from Kimberley High School and received her teaching certificate from BC Normal School (now University of Victoria). Jessie started her teaching career at Sheep Creek School House, Central School in Cranbrook, BC and Jessie taught for many years in Marysville Elementary and Wasa Elementary Schools. She volunteered for many years at the Kimberly Heritage Museum and was a long-time member of the Kimberley United Church Women's Group (and their Scottish Tea), Old Marysville School House, the East Kootenay Historical Society, Wildsight, and the Retired Teachers Association. She was an avid environmentalist. She was also an avid gardener who shared the bounty of her large garden and green house. She enjoyed her retirement in the Premier Lake area for 35 years, travelling to Mesa for many years, visiting family near and far, exploring her roots in Scotland, fishing, hunting, camping and berry picking in BC as well as many wonderful times at St. Mary's Lake. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers David Leith, John (Isabel) Leith and Jim (Doris) Leith and sister Allice O'Neill (Mike). She is survived by her brother Bill (Marian) Leith. Jessie married Fred Jensen on June 27, 1953 in Kimberley - an event that was described in great detail in the June 30, 1953 Kimberley Daily Bulletin. Jessie is survived by Fred, her loving husband of 63 years, daughter Louise (Craig) Rondestvedt, of Canyon, BC, sons Bill (Katherine) of Calgary, and Robert (Andra) Jensen of Wellesley, MA, grandchildren Sonja and Scott Rondestvedt, Alexander, Christopher and Mitchell Jensen and Liam and Mia Jensen as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends made over a life time. She was the family matriarch. She was loved and will be missed by many. The funeral service for Jessie will be on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 1:00 pm in the Kimberley United Church (10 - Boundary Street). If friends so desire, donations in memory of Jessie can be made to the: Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon or to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com