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Obituary: Fran Jensen

Sat, Jul 27th 2019 07:00 am

A loving and incomparable wife, mother, aunt, colleague, and friend, Frances Jensen died peacefully on June 30, 2019, after bravely battling cancer. She was 81.

She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Robert Jensen. Fran is survived by her two daughters, Cindy Jensen and Karen Lindstrom.

Originally from Staten Island, Fran and Bob moved to Grand Island in 1974. Fran was a teacher in the Williamsville and Sweet Home school districts and director of education for the Erie County Department of Youth Services/Detention Division. Fran also served as director and past president of the New York State Association of Realtors Commercial Investment Division.

Fran held three degrees from the State University College at Buffalo: a Master of Science in criminal justice, and a Bachelor of Science and M.S. in education. In 1996, Fran was extremely honored to be both a nominee for the Greater Partnership Athena Award that salutes outstanding businesswomen and awarded the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

Fran also owned Viking Construction Inc. with her husband, Bob, for 30 years, as well as the Viking Motel and Plaza on Grand Island. They were proud members of the Buffalo Launch Club. In 1999, Fran and Bob moved to San Diego, where Fran became a senior volunteer with the Vista Fire Department, publicity chair for the Woman’s Club of Vista, and was involved with Beach Bashes for Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 369. She was awarded Distinguished Citizen of the 75th Assembly District in 2016.

Building upon her successful commercial real estate career with MJ Peterson Corp., Fran transitioned to residential real estate in California.

Fran was a voracious reader and world traveler (42 countries spanning five continents). Highlights included planting trees in Israel, climbing Machu Picchu in Peru, visiting the Great Wall of China, and sailing on the Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria.

She will be remembered for her infectious enthusiasm, sense of adventure, dedication to helping others, work ethic, friendship, and her faith. Fran was an inspiration to others with her exemplary record of community service and civic leadership.

A service was held at Faith Lutheran Church in Vista, California, on July 14, to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any memorial donations be made to Tri-City Hospital Foundation at: https://tricityhospitalfoundation.org/ or by mail at: 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056.

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