Writing my mother's Obituary, the hardest thing I've written

~posted in the San Diego Union Tribune on May 20th, 2009~

JANET JENSEN of Bonita CA died peacefully in her home on May 12th of 2009, due to complications from Pancreatic Cancer diagnosed early November of 2008. Born Janet Justice in South Gate, CA on May 22nd, 1934. The oldest daughter to Sidney and Helen Justice. Graduating Chula Vista High School in 1952 and 2 years after, Married John F Jensen on May 8th of 1954.

Janet knew several places as a child growing up, moving from Los Angeles to Chula Vista in 1945 where she attended F Street Elementary and Chula Vista Junior High. And while visiting her father in Hawaii, graduated 9th grade. Soon moving back to Chula Vista, where she continued her education as an honor roll student at Chula Vista High School where she loved being a Spartan, and cheerleader. She continued that spirit on into her life, and was a major part of the high school reunion committee up until passing.

She worked in the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce for 2 years after High School. Soon after, became a mother and cared for her children through the years. In the late 60s, she was taking care of her husband who had become hospitalized due to bladder cancer. Sharing the same hospital as him at one time while delivering her youngest, a newborn son John Jr. Always an amazing woman, with such energy and able to put the positive into everyone's life. The last couple of years, her care was needed more than ever for her mother Helen, who passed on in February 20th of 2009 at the age of 97.

Knowing Janet for a minute, a day, or years you were able to know how much of a warm-hearted woman she was. Very compassionate and giving. Always eager to help and share her knowledge, which was usually vast on most any subject. Nothing was ever a surprise to Janet, mostly due to her family testing the waters of many athletic sports or activities, even herself being hospitalized for a dirt bike accident while chasing the kids across the open desert. She continued on riding and camping with family, and loved how it brought everyone together. Janet was a loving wife, our mom, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Janet is survived by her husband John F. Jensen and children; Brenda Bradley (54), Leah Mange (51), Jonna Vaughn (47) and John Jensen Jr (41) all who reside in the San Diego Area. Also, by several grand and great grand children. And her sister, Jeanine Clowers, at 70 years old still resides in National City, CA. Janet and Jeannine also shared brothers and sisters of Father Sidney Justice, they are Leigh, Candy and Alan Gamble.

A memorial service will be held on her 75th birthday, Friday the 22nd, at 2pm. Located at Glen Abbey Memorial Park's Main Chapel, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita.In remembrance, the family suggests donations to San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine.