Our beloved mother, Lisa Ann Jensen, passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2021, at the age of 83, surrounded by her loving family in Prattsburgh, N.Y.
Lisa was born to Albert and Antonette Schanke on Sept. 5, 1938, in Brooklyn. She was a star pupil and athlete at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn. Lisa attended Penn Hall Junior College in Chambersburg, PA, and later transferred to Goucher College in Baltimore, MD, where she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (1960), majoring in English, minoring in German.
Settling in Baldwinsville, Lisa resourcefully raised six children. While raising her children, she also remained steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge, taking college courses and contributing to her community. Her wide range of interests were reflected in her employment history. Such roles included: middle school English teacher, substitute teacher, swim instructor, and nuclear operator for Niagara Mohawk.
She loved her role as “Grandma Lisa.” Attending grandchildren’s performances and family camping reunions gave her great joy.
Lisa donated to many charities. She ushered at the Syracuse Civic Center and volunteered at the Baldwinsville Library. She loved to read and regularly attended a book club at the local senior center. Lisa enjoyed swimming laps at the YMCA. She was a nature lover and nurtured many pets during her lifetime. Lisa hiked with the ADK club and frequented Beaver Lake Nature Center.
Lisa Jensen is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Hazel Erikson. She is survived by her loving children, Jennifer Carter, Kristine Adams, Jonathan Jensen, Paul Brewer-Jensen, Finn Jensen, and Nick Jensen; her former husband and father of her children, Oscar Jensen; 21 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her brother, Anton Schanke; her best friend, Dawn Hickman; and her cat, Dusty.
Lisa attended the United Methodist Church in Baldwinsville. A memorial service will take place there in the coming year.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to CareFirst, www.carefirstny.org (formerly Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care), and Beaver Lake Nature Center, onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center/ would be appreciated in memory of Lisa Jensen.
