Tina Marie Jensen
March 21, 2012
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Service Details
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
Connie Madson
03/24/2012
To cara and family my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. You are in my prayers.
Karissa Morton
03/24/2012
My most sincere sympathy goes out to the countless people Tina impacted in her amazingly inspirational life. The thing I will always remember most about her is the light she radiated every single day- she was one of the most genuine, kindhearted people I have ever been fortunate enough to know. I was just a kid when I first met Tina and now, over a decade later and as a teacher myself, I find myself frequently drawing upon her lessons of wisdom, strength, and compassion. Any time I was lost, the words to help me find my way came so easily to Tina. Hers is the kind of life that will never stop making a difference in this world.
Deanna Anderson
03/23/2012
I am thinking of you all. Tina was a great gal.I knew her mostly when Kara and my daughter Kerry were in school and in sports and activities at the same time.She was a great lady. May God be with all of you now.
Deanna (Hicks)Anderson
Michele, Eric, Ted, & Brad Kofoed
03/23/2012
God bless your family in this time of sorrow. Tina was such a strong influence in the lives of her students. Many remember her standing at the doorway of Jackson to greet them as they came to school and as she was genuinely curious about what they were during with their lives once they left elementary school when she saw them again. Take care.
Denise, Mike, Tim and Becca Novak
03/23/2012
Our deepest sympathy to all of Tina's family. She was a very special woman who made a wonderful impact to everyone she met. We were so blessed to be a part of her Jackson family as parents and students.
Jan Westrick
03/23/2012
My deepest sympathy to all of the family.When I think of Tina "Pay it forward" always put's a smile on my face. She touched so many lives with her kindness.
Tami & Mark Auen
03/22/2012
Our deepest sympathy to all Tina's family. Words will not lessene the pain but know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. sending hugs :)
Vicky Foresman
03/22/2012
We are all so sorry for your loss. Tina was a friend who lived her life to the fullest, embraced people in a way no others could, and she was a fighter until the end. Be strong in her memory as you all begin to move forward. She left you with a grand footprint to follow! Prayers to you all.
Sue Crook
03/21/2012
Forever in our hearts! You lived your life to make a difference, you lived it large, you made an imprint in our hearts and lives. We love you, Tina. And to Beth and the whole family...you are the future that Tina always wanted. You are her legacy.