Obituary of Ann Jensen

Ann Jensen (Ann Kathleen Friis Christensen) passed away peacefully on Saturday morning. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob and her brother, Peter Christensen (Doreen). She is survived by her sister, Helen Stacy (Wayne), her children Andrew (Lori), Kathy and Mark (Lisa), and her grandchildren (in order of appearance) Kiersten and Ian Jensen, Matthew and Alison Hart, and Zachariah, Isaiah and Daniel Jensen.

Ann lived a full life, most of it in Dorval and Terrasse Vaudreuil. She delighted in being creative, which expressed itself in her business as a silversmith and goldsmith, a rockhound with the skills to facet gemstones; in her side-lines re-finishing furniture, repairing antiques, and in various home improvements. She was a long-time member of the Montreal Gem and Mineral Club, and regularly displayed her jewellery at the Ottawa Lapsmith and Mineral Club shows.

After inheriting her mother's orchids, Ann became an avid orchid breeder, having over 400 orchids in her home at one point. She was an enthusiastic member of the Montreal branch of the Eastern Canada Orchid Society (ECOS), winning many awards for her beautiful flowers.

Ann took a very hands-on approach to rescuing a long series of birds, cats, dogs, and other creatures in need of care and attention. That was in addition to the “official” pets of the household, who were an important part of her life.

Ann loved words and wordplay. She was fluent in Danish, English and French, which made her officially a “polyglot”.

Ann was involved in the church her whole life, and her love of music was regularly expressed there. Ann sang in church choirs as a soprano and an alto. She enjoyed singing the Danish hymns she remembered from her childhood at St. Ansgar's church, especially at Christmas. She branched out into musical theatre as the front of the camel in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She also made the Pharaoh's crown jewels for that production.

This is only a partial list of Ann's interests and involvements. Ann delighted in learning and trying new things, and in sharing her knowledge with others.

The family would like to thank the staff at Caressant Care, Bourget, and Dr. Lyons, for their wonderful care of Ann. Their compassion and respect allowed her to have a happy life, despite her increasing confusion in her final years.

Memorial donations can be made to the SPCA of Western Quebec, who provided Ann with Nomy, her final and beloved canine rescue; or to St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church in Montreal.