Else Helene Jensen

Else Helene Jensen

Else Helene Jensen, née Andersen, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, November 21, 2020, aged 101. She was born June 26, 1919, in Sonder Bjert, Denmark, the youngest of fourteen. Denmark, and her extended family there, were forever in her heart and thoughts throughout her long life. She wed Svend Aage Jensen in 1946, at the end of Denmark’s occupation during the Second World War. They were married almost 49 years, until Svend’s death in 1995. A trip to America followed two years later, in 1948, for what was originally planned to be a five year visit, helping her brother who had established a successful bakery in Kirkland, Washington. But friendships were soon formed and roots planted – and what was to be a visit soon turned in to their home for the remainder of their lives. She is survived by her beloved son, Paul Jensen, and granddaughter, Grace Jensen.

Else’s foremost love was her faith, family and friends. An avid gardener, she had a green thumb with people as well as plants, nurturing both with a rare blend of faith, love and humor. Time spent with Else was time spent in non-stop conversation, liberally sprinkled with laughter along with copious amounts of hot coffee and Danish pastry. She possessed an almost magical ability to bring a smile to both the face and heart of all those she encountered. She radiated happiness and contentment, infusing those around her with the same. Else will be sorely missed, but her love and memory will reside forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Else will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Svend, at Kirkland Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be delayed owing to the current pandemic, but will hopefully take place on or around June 26, 2021 – what would have been her 102nd birthday. In lieu of flowers, those interested are invited to make a contribution to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kirkland, Northwest Harvest, or to their own favorite food bank or homeless shelter.