Edith H. Jensen

Edith Hackleman Jensen was born on November 7th, 1920 to parents Thomas and Berenice Gilchrist in Albany, Oregon. Edith grew up in Albany where she learned to master the piano and was even invited to play with a well known orchestra at the time as a concert pianist at the young age of 14. Edith attended Albany High School and went on to college at the University of Oregon.

After college she worked at Camp Adair during WWII; Boing Field in Seattle; The Medical Clinic and YMCA in Portland, Oregon. She attended the Foursquare Church in Portland and Gresham where she was an active member and contributor, singing in many church choirs. Edith was known for playing the piano with various organizations such as the Forest Grove Gleemen. At an early age as an accomplished pianist, she won first place in State Competitions 3 years in a row. She traveled all over the world playing at various venues; one that she was particularly fond of was the Vienna Festival in Austria where she played with many other accomplished musicians.

Her family also had a very long history in the city of Albany dating back to 1845 when the Abner Hackleman came as a Captain of a Wagon Train to Albany. There are several monuments in the city named after them.

Edith passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2013 and will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. She was predeceased by her son, Steve Byram and brother, Thurston Gilchrist. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Byram Thompson (David), son Tom Byram, daughter Teresa Byram Endresen, daughter Betsy Byram Granger, son David Byram (Marty), daughter in-law Sue Byram, sister Patricia Gilchrist Owens, sister Judy Gilchrist Hensley, 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. There will be a Memorial Service held at The Hostess House at 10017 NE 6th Ave., Vancouver, Washington 98686 on February 16th, at 6:30pm.