Obituary: Jensen, Joan Ellen (Troppman)
Age 67
JENSEN,
Joan Ellen (Troppman)
After a life journey of 67 years, Joan Jensen left this world on March 10, 2012 in Auburn, WA to reunite with family and friends in her heavenly home.
She was born Joan Ellen Troppman in Wenatchee, WA, on November 27, 1944, the only child of Arthur R. and Helen Lyall (Sellar) Troppman, who welcomed her home.
March 10, 2012 was a blessed day because it was this day that Joan’s body was healed from the cruel disease of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
After graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1963 and attending Washington State University for two years, Joan started a 42-year secretarial career during which she worked for a variety of interesting employers, some of whom were former State Representative Bob Curtis, former U.S.
Senator Slade Gorton, and the U.S. Secret Service.
Joan took great pride in her strong work ethic and did her best to be professional in her secretarial duties.
On March 10, 1973, Joan married F. William (Bil) Jensen in Richmond, British Columbia, where they were both employed.
For the next seven years, as Bil was transferred with his job, they lived in Richmond, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Los Angeles, CA, and finally to their permanent home in Spokane, WA (Nine Mile Falls).
She retired in 2007 and she and her husband spent their retirement years at their home on the lake.
For several years in retirement, Joan enjoyed volunteering for NAMI-Spokane (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and for the Westminster Presbyterian Food Bank in Spokane.
Joan’s passion was her love of animals, especially her pet cats and dogs.
She had faith in the belief that her precious pets would be waiting for her on the other side of the “Rainbow Bridge.”
Joan can best be described as having an inquisitive nature, an infectious laugh, a “Sellar sneeze,” an appreciation of music, and compassion for those who struggle with life’s challenges.
If there is email in heaven, she’ll no doubt find a way to send a message to earth.
Her hope was that someone’s life whom she has touched along the way will remember her in a kind way in the years to come.
Joan is survived by her loving husband, three step-children, Shawn Jensen of Graham, WA, Sheryl (Steve) Kowalczik and Tim Jensen both of Kent, WA, many treasured cousins, and her precious pets Squeak, Zeus and Darby.
Many thanks to a special “blood sister” Judith Lowe who gave Joan strength and courage to face her final illness and to long-time friend Sharon Paine who was there in time of need.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to an animal shelter or humane society of your choice to honor Joan’s love of animals or to NAMI-Spokane (National Alliance on Mental Illness) at 10 N. Post, #638, Spokane, WA 99201.
A memorial celebration will be held Friday, March 16, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on Washington St. A reception will follow in the church.
Joan will be buried at the Wenatchee City Cemetery.
Arrangements are by TELFORD’S CHAPEL OF THE VALLEY, East Wenatchee.