Rita A. Jensen's Obituary
Rita A. Jensen, a lifelong resident of Lawrence, died December 24, 2021 at the Holy Family hospital in Methuen, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on September 27, 1938 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, she was the beloved daughter of Frank and Marion (Moore) Jensen. She graduated from Saint Patrick Grammar School and Saint Patrick High School as Salutatorian. She attended Merrimack College on a full tuition scholarship and graduated Magna cum Laude in 1960 with a Bachelor’s in history.
Upon graduation, she went to Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport RI, where she was commissioned as an Ensign. She then reported to CINCLANTFLT (Commander in Chief, US Atlantic Fleet) as a Communications Officer. After leaving the Navy as a Lieutenant junior grade, she was awarded a Graduate Assistantship to Boston University and received a master’s degree in History. Rita then worked at Dracut High School as a dedicated social studies teacher for 35 years and was involved in many school activities.
After retirement, Rita was a very active volunteer at Saint Patrick Parish. She taught in the Adult Confirmation Program, Led the Christian visitation program, and volunteered at Cor Unum. In addition, Rita volunteered with the Irish collection at the Lawrence Public Library, as well as at Lawrence Catholic Academy.
A daily communicant, she was a member of Our Lady’s Sodality, the St. Clare League and LAOH Division 8 of the Hibernians. She belonged to the American Legion, post 315, Waves National, and various educational organizations. She was an avid walker, especially at Hampton Beach where she summered for many years.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Commander Carl T. Jensen, USN. She is survived by 2 nieces, Cheryl Hudson of Florida and Kristen Eggert of Missouri, a nephew, Keith Jensen of Florida, and many dear friends. She also leaves 2 very special people, Meaghan (Reardon) Choate, her beloved Godchild, and Keara (Reardon) Sem, both of whom were her family and who added so much love to her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sisters of Charity 125 Oakland Street
Wellesley, MA 02481-5338 (https://www.elizabethseton.org/donate) or
to the USO, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC, 20077 (https://www.uso.org/donate/donate-in-honor/?sc=WW14IMOIHO)
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