Tina Marie Jensen
March 21, 2012
Tina M. Jensen passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, after courageously battling cancer for over a year.
Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2012, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in Des Moines. Memorial services will be at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 26, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway.
Tina Marie Ames was born on February 11, 1956, in Sac City, Iowa, to Clyde and Marsha (Lange) Ames. She grew up in Boone and graduated from Boone High School in 1974. Tina continued her education at DMACC, and then completed her Psychology, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Development degrees at Iowa State University in 1982. She then earned her Master’s in Administration in 2002, and her Specialist Degree in 2011, both from Drake University. Tina began her career in education as a 1st grade teacher at Page Elementary in Boone. She then taught 6th grade and became an Associate Principal at the United 6th Grade Building. In 1995, she took her first Principal position at Northstar Elementary in Knoxville. She then became Principal of Jackson Elementary in Des Moines in 2000. Tina then worked as Executive Director of the Southeast Region of Des Moines Public Schools from 2007 to present.
Tina devoted her life to education and the students that she loved. She could see the potential in every kid that walked through the doors and believed that everyone should have the opportunity to learn. Tina viewed all of her coworkers as equals and inspired everyone to be the best that they could be. Tina was perhaps most proud of her grandchildren and loved to be with them, reading books and challenging them to work hard, be kind and dream big. When Tina wasn’t working, she enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Survivors include her friend Beth Ward; children, Kara (Chris) Greenlee, Jayme (Tyler) Ward, and Michael Jensen (Sarah Schloemer); grandchildren, Kayla, Aaron, Ryan, Delanie, Casey, Camryn, Samiya, Graytian, and expecting baby Kyler; siblings,, Jerry (Patty) Ames, Marti (Steve) Nalean, and Linda (Rich) Schultz; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. Tina was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Memorial contributions can be given to Tina Jensen Memorial Foundation.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jessica Crise
06/19/2012
Ms. Jensen... She was a true hero for me. I went to Jackson Elementry for four years and even on the first day I caught her eye and we became friends instantly. She helped me recognize my skills in school and help me excel. At the end of fifth grade was when she announced her new job for the district. I was sad in so many ways, yet happy. With her new position, I saw Ms. Jensen every month for all three years of middle school and my first year of high school. When ever my parents or I needed anything, she was always there and that is something I could never thank her enough for. She would always keep a bright smile on her face and no matter how down I was, she could always get me to smile. She helped me get on track with school and now I'm taking 3 AP classes next year and two dual credit classes and I only need 4 more credits to graduate Lincoln High School. She's done so many great things for me and for my fellow classmates, we all could not say thank you enough. Ms. Jensen was definitely one of a kind. I never knew she had cancer until it was too late. It gives me a heartache to think about, but yet then I think of how she might be gone physically, but she will always be in our hearts and will always be looking after us. My thoughts and prayers got out to family and friends for we all have lost a great woman.
Lonnie, Nichole, Raymon and Family
03/27/2012
Our family is so sorry to hear of your loss. Tina was the principal at Jackson when my son started and she was a pleasure to see everyday. We thought it was so kind of her to stop us and ask us how our day was or to just catch up, long after she was no longer the principal. She was such a special person. Enjoy the days and memories she shared with you to comfort you during your time of sorrow.
Brittany Fagan
03/26/2012
She was a very strong woman, and loved kids. I used to go to Jackson Elementry while she was the principal and she helped me through so much. I always remembered her opening the door for all the kids including me. She stood outside no matter what the weather was just to make sure all of us kids were safe and she would tell us bye when we drove off, and will easily make a conversation with everyone, she was very friendly. I did not know she had cancer, its very sad. I just think to myself, well she is in a beautiful/better place looking down and smiling at everyone. She has no pain or heartaches, she's just so happy up there in heaven were she deserves to be. Miss. Jensen (Tina) Thank you so much for everything you have done with your kind heart your a great woman, all my prayers go out to the family.
Connie McIntyre Ferguson
03/26/2012
Kara, Jayme, and Michael, So sorry to hear of your Moms passing.
All of the McIntyre kids and I send our heartfelt caring to you all.
Its so hard to lose the ones you love-just lean on each other and
remember all those wonderful family times and the Peony Lane times!!
Thinking of you and praying for comfort for you all,
Connie McIntyre Ferguson, Michelle and Danon Daleske,
Jeremy and Christina McIntyre, Joy and Elliott Davis,
and Marty and Megan McIntyre and families.
Jan & Grounds for Celebration
03/26/2012
All of us here @ Grounds for Celebration want to say how sorry we are that
that we will not be able to see Tina in her favorite coffee shop like we
have for many years now.
She had such a positive impact on everyone - not just on us girls working
here, but other customers as well. She was always smiling even when we
knew she wasn't feeling great and always buying drinks for other
people she didn't know, just to show kindness. That was so appreciated
by others - it really made their day!
We will truly miss her smiling face.
Jan, Judee, Theresa, Alisha, and all the other girls @ Grounds for
Celebration.
Karen Kennedy
03/26/2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Tina was an influential part of my decision to go back to college and become a teacher. I am so fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with and get to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Spencer
03/26/2012
To Tina's Family,
Tina was truly one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. She fought cancer bravely and kept advocating for students and schools until the end. She was so kind to me when I came back to work after my father passed away, and I will always remember her truly compassionate and caring nature. She spoke of all of you often, especially her grandchildren whom she adored. I know how hard it is to lose someone who has meant so much to who many. Heaven has definitely gained an angel.
Melissa Spencer
Bill Szakacs
03/26/2012
Tina was a wonderful person and a joy to work with. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends who she loved so much. I will miss my many conversations with her about family, travel, educational issues and good books to read. She will be missed. Bill Szakacs
Marge Bollenbaugh
03/26/2012
Our deepest sympathies to Ryan, Kara and all of Tina's family. What a great lady.
Love, Kenny & Marge Bollenbaugh
Don Lester
03/26/2012
Kara, Jayme, and Michael and your families,
I just wanted you to know how deeply saddened I was to hear of the passing of your Mom. Tina was a very special person and I truly appreciated her friendship while she was in Boone teaching. Her bubbly personality always could lift your spirits and her dedication to education was unparalleled. You have my deepest sympathies and know that you are in my thoughts. May all of your happy memories be there to comfort you in the days ahead. She was a great lady and she will be definitely missed. I got to talk to her two years ago at the State Fair and it was great getting to see her, I just wish we had more time to catch up that day. She has left a great legacy in the fine children she raised and you all should be very proud of that.
Don Lester
Penny, Ben, Abby & Holly Meysenburg
03/25/2012
Our deepest sympathy to Tina's family. We can't say enough about her. She was a wonderful principal at Jackson where I volunteer. I remember one time when Kim & I was working in the library, she would come over to see what we was up to. When we was dusting all those dust bunnies out of those books, she would tell us we could come to her place & clean. She has touch so many lives. She always welcome you to come back for visits after you left Jackson. Always enjoy our visits. We will always remember those fond memories.
Mary Bollenbaugh
03/25/2012
My heart goes out to all of Tina's family, she was a good person and a great friend and I always remember her fondly.
Jennifer Fagan
03/25/2012
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Tina's Family. She was a remarkable lady that will never be forgotten. She touched so many peoples lifes with her generousity and most of all her willing to help others. She would always be at the front door of Jackson greeting all the children no matter what the weather was like. She always had a smile on her face and LOVED talking about her kids and grandchildren. She loved them all very much!! No words can express the loss of someone so dear that meant alot to so many people. She may not be here with us today, but will always remain in our hearts forever.
p schroeder
03/25/2012
grew up in the neborhood togeter, knock my teeth out with a golf club, went to school together, loved her and will think of her often. our prayers to the family.
Courtney Johns
03/24/2012
I am a past student of Jackson Elementary School. Mrs. Jensen will truly be missed by me. Very sorry to the family of Mrs. Jensen on their loss. She will be gone but not forgotten. She will always be in my heart. She was like a hero and a mom to alot of the students.