Mary Elizabeth Hanlon Jensen (age 93) peacefully departed her earthly presence Easter Sunday April 17th. She left for her next assignment serving amongst the angels in heaven. Saint Mary is how her family regarded her, although her humility would abhor such a label. Mary lived a life of sacrifice and caring, she gave back more than she ever received. This beautiful young woman from the “Greatest Generation” became an RN at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford Ct. With strong Irish DNA she raised a family of five sons and a daughter, which now have grown to a family of forty-six. This was to be her greatest reward, as she proudly cherished all their lifelong accomplishments raising their own families with the lessons she instilled: honesty, discipline, hard work, caring and service, and love of family.
Mary found true love and her life partner when her best friend set her up on a blind date to a handsome WWII Navy veteran. Donald Jensen for the next 67 yrs. would be her wonderful husband, father, and grandfather to their future troops. Mary was an honor graduate of West Haven H.S. where she enjoyed cheerleading and playing girls basketball. It is no wonder she thrilled cheering for our exciting UCONN girls. A sports fan, she followed the NY Yankees, she loved their traditions and especially Derek Jeter's professional example. This past week as she struggled making words, we finally understood she wanted to know, Who won the Masters?!
Aside from being our “In House Medic,” Mom was a member of the nursing staff at St. Raphael's Hospital New Haven, later the Wesson Maternity Hospital Springfield MA and Laurel Heights TB Hospital in Shelton till its 1981 closing. After nursing, her heartfelt care shifted to a paraprofessional role in the pool and gym at the acclaimed Ripton School for special needs children. She loved the 18 yrs. working there with her other Earthly Co-Angels” who daily made life meaningful for these very disadvantaged children.
Mary was a regular Red Cross donor, a Girl Scout Troop leader, an avid reader, loved music and needlepoint. She was a prolific letter writer and card sender never failing a proper thank you, or words of encouragement to someone down on their luck. As we learned later, one of her heartfelt letters was for someone she had never met. One beautiful summer day while she and Don were driving along the River Rd. in Shelton near Murphy's boatyard; before them, a young man had missed the curve and crashed his motorcycle in a cloud of dust. They quickly stopped and Mom administered to the critically injured young man who sadly passed before the ambulance arrived. Mary wrote the young man's mother a letter to relay she had held her son's hand and comforted him in his last moments.
Mary was a person of faith, and a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary's Church Shelton. Mary grew up on the beaches of Savin Rock, was an excellent swimmer, later in life she enjoyed her many hours with friends at the Shelton Community Center pool. Don's work achievements earned Mom and Dad some lifetime dream trips to Hawaii and the Caribbean islands. Most memorable was their incredible Panama Canal cruise. Not to be forgotten were all the fun family road trips and lake vacations traveling about in our station wagon.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Donald (2018), she leaves her children James &(Carol), Paul and (Annette),
Thomas and (Debbie), Norine and (her late husband Kevin), Robert and (Audrey), Stephen and (Robin). Mary was also predeceased by her father John Joseph Hanlon and mother Christine Meehan Hanlon, brother John (Anna)Hanlon and sister Roberta (Edward)Adzima.
Mom would never forget the love, support and precious moments with her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were the sparkle in her blue eyes as she watched them grow from babies to adulthood.
Mom and Dad both had a long life well lived. We mourn their passing but celebrate the life they afforded us.
Friends and family may call Tuesday 26th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Riverview Funeral Home 390 River Road Shelton. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 AM Wednesday 27th directly to Saint Margaret Mary Church, 50 Donovan Lane, Shelton. Her burial will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery, 280 Derby Ave., West Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Special Olympics, Attn. Web Gifts, 1133 19th Street NW 12th Floor Washington, DC 20036-2604. Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.
