Patricia Ann Jensen's Obituary
Patricia Ann Jensen, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 15, 1935, in Muskegon, to Joseph and Frieda (Block) Smith, and remained a lifelong resident of the community she loved. Pat graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School and later enjoyed a 25-year career as a retail sales associate with JCPenney in Norton Shores, where her style and humor endeared her to coworkers and customers alike.
Pat lived a life full of laughter, grit, creativity, and heart. In 1954, she married the love of her life, Donald M. Jensen, and together they built a busy, story-filled home as they raised their five creative and remarkable children. Pat carried the responsibility of motherhood with strength, practicality, and devotion to her family. Her kids knew her as a steady, spirited presence—someone who spoke from the heart, shared generously, and always tried to make life a little more fun.
As a young woman, Pat grew up around the family business, the Smith Meat Packing Company, and played for the Junior Muskegon Lassies baseball league—the junior league to the one featured in the movie A League of Their Own. That sense of being grounded, yet playful and competitive, stayed with her throughout her life. She enjoyed bowling and golf leagues, countless games of bridge, artistic pursuits, retirement years spent in Florida, and was always—always—the life of the party. She had a lively sense of humor, a great laugh, and a gift for turning ordinary moments into memorable stories. Even trips to the casino “where she somehow had their number,” were moments, where fun never lost.
She was proud of her grandchildren, who loved being with “Grandma Pat.” Whether at family gatherings, holidays, or vacations, Pat was often the spark that made everything more joyful. Her presence filled rooms, lifted moods, and created memories that will be retold for generations.
Pat was a longtime member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, and her faith remained an anchor throughout her life.
Survivors include her five children: Shar (Mark Pearson) Coulson of Chicago, IL; Randy (Debbie) Jensen of Spring Lake; Rhonda (John) Wescott of Norton Shores; Lauree (Bill) McKendry of Grand Haven; and Don (Katie) Jensen Jr. of Muskegon; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Joan Fredricks of Muskegon; brother, Joe (Judy) Smith of Norton Shores; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Don; her parents; her grandson, Ian Jensen; her son-in-law, Phillip Gibbs; and her brother-in-law, Gar Fredricks.
With heartfelt thanks to Rita Gibbs and the outstanding caregivers who blessed Mom with such love, compassion, and devoted care.
FUNERAL DETAILS:
The Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church - Marian Chapel, with the Rev. Fr. Steve Geerling presiding. Visitation with the family will take place one hour prior to Mass. A light lunch will be served after Liturgy. Pat will be laid to rest beside Don in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Francis Sunday Social. Call 231-755-1953, St. Francis Sunday Social, or Operation Solo, a vet and rescue service for low-income families. Venmo: @rudywithoperationsolo.
Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 759-8565.
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