Arlene Jean Jensen

Arlene and her husband, John, resided in Kent, Washington. Married for 58 years, John died just 11 days before Arlene, on February 6th. Arlene was born February 21, 1939 to Sebastian and Freda Seida in Portland, Oregon, where she grew up with her older brother, Paul Seida (Marlene Seida) and her younger sister Diane Glivinski (David Glivinski, deceased). Arlene is preceded in death by her brother, Paul. Diane resides in Portland, Oregon.

After high school, Arlene attended Marylhurst College in Lake Oswego, Oregon. She graduated with a teaching degree and went on to teach home economics at a local Portland, Oregon public school. Shortly after she began her teaching career she met her future husband, John, at a social group for young, single Catholics. Arlene and John married on November 20, 1965, and went on to have three children: Mark Jensen (Pamina Haddock), Barbara Caballero (Gabriel Caballero), and Diane Shivitz (Tom Shivitz). As the birth of her firstborn child, Mark, approached, she left her teaching position to focus on raising her family, a calling which she embraced with pride and dedication.

Beyond her family, Arlene pursued a number of other interests. She loved to read, sew, bake and cook. She especially enjoyed learning about the science behind recipes and cooking techniques, and constantly worked to improve her recipes. Both Alene and John shared a passion for gardening, both edible and ornamental, and spent countless hours together in their yard and garden. She took great pride in cooking fresh, home-grown food and preserving the extra bounty for winter months. Arlene was also a devoted member of St. Mary’s Parish in Tacoma, Washington, where she spent much time in worship and fellowship with her church community. Aside from her faith, Arlene’s greatest passion was her family. She loved to spend time with her husband, three children and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and her extended family.

The family of Arlene Jean Jensen invites you to attend the following events in remembrance of both her and her husband, John’s life on Monday, February 26:

10:30 Rosary St. Mary’s Parish, 757 138th Street South, Tacoma, WA

11:00 Joint Funeral Mass for John and Arlene St. Mary’s Parish

2:00 Committal Service for John at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th, Kent, WA

2:30 Committal Service for Arlene at Tahoma

3:15 Reception Service at Nikki's Restaurant, 27120 174th Pl SE, Covington, WA