Grace Ellen Jensen

CUYAHOGA FALLS-Grace Ellen Jensen “Gig” (nee Smith), 96, passed away on July 23, 2023. Grace was the  third born to Burton and Erma Smith (nee Newcomb) in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She Graduated from Logan High School and attended Stout Institute in Menominee, WI where she met her husband George. They were married in 1947 and moved to Cuyahoga Falls in 1953. Grace raised her four sons after being widowed in 1959, working as a Professional Cook at the University of Akron where she retired in 1990. Grace touched many folks lives through her Cooking and Serving as a Volunteer with her Church, the Victory Terrace Garden Club and as an Usher for E.J. Thomas Hall as well as the Akron Civic Theater. She was an avid collector of dishes, pottery, art glass, cookbooks, cookware, dolls and people who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her Husband George Albert Jensen, Son Gerald Jensen, Parents Burton and Erma Smith (nee Newcomb) and Axel and Stella Jensen (nee Moquin).  Brothers; Robert Smith, Daniel Smith. Sisters and Brothers in Law;  Girard (Gerry) and Mary Johnson, Clayton and Patricia Connell (nee Smith),  Orin and Fern Small (nee Jensen), Walter and Millie Jensen (nee  Gruett), Elmer and Doris Wilfert (nee Jensen), Jim Norvell. Nephews; David Small, Jeff Wilfert, Randy Connell, Edwin Underwood, Brian Jensen, Kenny Wales.  Nieces: Diane Girven (nee Small), Christine Reyna (nee Wilfert), Merilee Connell (nee Pearson), Pam Wilfert (nee Rossman), as well as Grandson George Jensen II. 

Grace will be missed by her family members; Shirley McGhee Smith, Jackie Norvell (nee Smith), Jerry and Margaret Pok (nee Smith), David and Jane Smith (nee Roth), Linda Smith (nee Demerath), sons and wives, partners; Gary and Nancy Jensen (nee Peyak), George and Sue Jensen (nee Boyles), Grant Jensen, Dick Seeger. Grand Children; Andy and Misty Jensen (nee Hearty) , Christine Cole Jensen, Eric Jensen, Sarah Koch Whitford, Celina Jensen (nee Knepp), Jeremiah and Aimee Jensen-Boland, Allison Kee-Jensen, Tony and Katy Bright Jensen, Emma Jensen.  Great Grandchildren; Alaina Jensen, Erick Hearty, Maritza Hearty, Riley Jensen, Evan Jensen, Neven Boland, Kylie Boland, Ben Jensen Boland, Molly Grace Boland. Nieces and Nephews; Douglas Connell, Marilyn Connell, Kathleen Wales (nee Connell), Stephanie Connell (nee Swan), Michael and Patricia Connell (nee Olds), Doug and Sharon Erler (nee Connell), Brian Connell, Tom Connell, Tom and Mary Schneller (nee Connell), Jacqui Wiltinger (nee Connell), Leza Underwood (nee Norvell),  Robin and Brandy  Norvell (nee Smith), Dean and Carol Pok (nee Shanovich), Dan and Sue Stein (nee Pok), Kevin and Carrie Pok (nee Kurt), Scott and Lisa Johnson (nee Fenhaus), Jeff and Ann Johnson Stewart, Ted and Rebecca Paquette Johnson, Bret and Beth Johnson Olmstead, Eric and Christine Moritz Johnson, Burt and Kari Smith (nee Britung), Ben and Kristy Smith (nee Blaine), Brian Smith, Robbie and Jamie Smith (nee Lis), Derrick Smith, Georgene Small (nee Kolka), Doug and Linda Small (nee Hatfield), Tom Wilfert, Linda Wilfert (nee Hudson), Todd and Barbara Johnson (nee Wilfert), Bruce and Laurie Ellenson (nee Jensen).

In lieu of other remembrances, Memorials may be made to The First United Methodist Church of Akron Free Lunch Program. 263 E. Mill Street, Akron, OH 44308.

Per Grace’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial visitation on Friday September 15, 2023 from 5pm to 7pm at the Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. On Saturday September 16, 2023, there will be a memorial service at 10:00 AM at Bethany United Church of Christ, 1235 Broad Blvd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. The Service can be viewed in real time via Bethany’s Facebook page and viewed anytime thereafter. https://www.facebook.com/uccbethany

To send condolences or sign the guest book, please visit www.cliffordshoemaker.com