Joan E. Jensen

Joan Ellen (Troppman) Jensen November 27, 1944 ~ March 10, 2012 After a life journey of 67 years, Joan Jensen left this world on March 10, 2012, in Auburn, WA, to reunite with family and friends in her heavenly home. She was born Joan Ellen Troppman in Wenatchee, WA, on November 27, 1944, the only child of Arthur R. and Helen Lyall (Sellar) Troppman, who welcomed her home. March 10, 2012, was a blessed day, because it was this day that Joan's body was healed from the cruel disease of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). After graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1963, and attending Washington State University for two years, Joan started a 42-year secretarial career, during which she worked for a variety of interesting employers, some of whom were former State Representative Bob Curtis, former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton, and the U.S. Secret Service. Joan took great pride in her strong work ethic and did her best to be professional in her secretarial duties. On March 10, 1973, Joan married F. William "Bil" Jensen in Richmond, British Columbia, where they were both employed. For the next seven years, as Bil was transferred with his job, they lived in Richmond, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Los Angeles, CA; and finally to their permanent home in Spokane, WA (Nine Mile Falls). She retired in 2007, and she and her husband spent their retirement years at their home on the lake. For several years in retirement, Joan enjoyed volunteering for NAMI-Spokane (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and for the Westminster Presbyterian Food Bank in Spokane. Joan's passion was her love of animals, especially her pet cats and dogs. She had faith in the belief that her precious pets would be waiting for her on the other side of the "Rainbow Bridge." Joan can best be described as having an inquisitive nature, an infectious laugh, a "Sellar sneeze," an appreciation of music, and compassion for those who struggle with life's challenges. If there is e-mail in Heaven, she'll no doubt find a way to send a message to earth. Her hope was that someone's life whom she had touched along the way will remember her in a kind way in the years to come. Joan is survived by her loving husband; three step-children, Shawn Jensen of Graham, WA, Sheryl (Steve) Kowalczik and Tim Jensen, both of Kent, WA; many treasured cousins; and her precious pets, Squeak, Zeus and Darby. Many thanks to a special "blood sister," Judith Lowe, who gave Joan strength and courage to face her final illness and to longtime friend, Sharon Paine, who was there in our time of need. A Memorial Celebration will be held Friday, March 16, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the Wenatchee First United Methodist Church, 941 Washington Street. A reception will follow in the church. Joan will be laid to rest in a Private Family Service at the Wenatchee City Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to an animal shelter or humane society of your choice to honor Joan's love of animals, or to NAMI-Spokane (National Alliance on Mental Illness) at 10 N. Post, #638, Spokane, WA 99201.

Joan E. Jensen

November 27, 1944 - March 10, 2012