Helen F. (Turner) Jensen, 89, died on Friday, April 14, 2017, at her home surrounded by family. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on April 26, 1927, the daughter of Dr. Harry L. and Agnes M. (Slimmon) Turner. The majority of her life was lived, though, in the states in Minnesota, Nebraska and Indiana.
She was married to Gordon S. Jensen in 1949 and they had 56 wonderful years together. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Hebrew from Taylor University, Upland, in 1950, and also Crown College (formerly St. Paul Bible College). She then moved to Chicago to be with her husband while he attended seminary. Following her husband’s graduation they took positions within the United Church of Christ in Nebraska. Gordon pastored 16 years there while Helen held positions on the state and local level in both children and women’s organizations. She was also the Associate Moderator of the state for the United Church of Christ. In 1972 Gordon and Helen moved with their three children to Upland, where Gordon worked as Alumni Director for Taylor University. Gordon and Helen also started the Jensen Insurance Agency, and owned and operated it until 1992. They lived in the Upland area and were active in the community and university for several years. In retirement Gordon and Helen went back into ministry pastoring the First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro.
Helen moved to New London in 2011 and then to Sunapee Cove in Georges Mills, New Hampshire, in 2015. Helen was an accomplished cellist, pianist and soloist. She performed throughout her life and graced many with her beautiful voice. She was a member of The First Baptist Church of New London.
Helen enjoyed supporting many charities, reading, singing and gardening. Her grandchildren remember her amazing kindness and her gratitude for all the kindness shown to her. Spending time with her family was one of her biggest joys.
She is predeceased by her husband, Gordon S. Jensen, and a grandson, Zachary Ortel. Members of her family surviving include her son, Mark Jensen, of Marion; her daughters, Wendy Ortel, of Indianapolis, and Kari (William) Novick of New London. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, John Brayshaw, Jade Brayshaw, Jennifer Brayshaw-Morcom, Tara Ortel, Taylor Edson, Brandon Jensen and Austin Jensen; and two great-grandchildren, Gwen Evelyn and Marshall Morcom.
Memorial service will be Friday May 12, 2017 at 3:00 PM at the Upland Friends Church, 1111 S. Main St., Upland, IN 46989 with Pastor Curt Blasiman officiatiing. Burial will follow at Jefferson Cemetery Upland next to her husband.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurse Association, P.O. Box 2209, New London, NH 03257.
Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Jones-Smith Chapel, 259 N. Main St., Upland, IN has been entrusted to care for services for Helen.
Online condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.