Krista Jensen

Instead of saying that a person died, our Father would say they had parked their wooden shoes for the last time. Our Mother, Krista, had a penchant for pretty footwear, so that expression doesn’t quite fit. Let’s try something else. We are saddened to announce that on May 28, our treasured Mother parked her Bruno Magli’s and slept in for the final time.

It’s not possible to sum up 99 years, 2 months and 2 days in a few words. Krista (Trold to her closest friends) meant different things to different people. She was the eldest and last surviving of six children who was born and grew up on her parent’s small farm in Agersted Denmark. Although small in stature, she was a strong woman, steadfast and dedicated to her friends and family. She was a woman who found her adored and adoring partner, Frank. She was a woman who experienced incredible joy and endured unspeakable grief. She was very private. She knew how to listen. She knew how to guide us, but not to smother.

Krista immigrated to Canada with two small children and an infant in 1951. Frank had come ahead and was waiting for them in a blinding November snowstorm on the platform of the Richmond Street train station. For them, Canada became the promised land. By 1958, they were blessed with 3 more children and had started their business, Jensen’s Guild House, in the basement of the home that they designed and built together. Over the span of it’s 51 years, the store remained a source of creative inspiration for them and for the customers they so valued.

Krista had an amazing sense of humour. She loved Elizabeth Arden, Cointreau in her special snifter, snowdrops, freesia, candles, walking, Abba played LOUD, and recently, helium balloons. We never heard her use the word hate, but she wasn’t fond of angry geese. When asked about her inevitable death, she shrugged her shoulders, and said with a broad smile, “At least I won’t be an old lady anymore”. Krista was a woman of grace who possessed no pretension.

Krista leaves behind her children; Carsten (Donna), Lone (Donald 2018), Bente (Stephen), Pia (Borge 2005). Mormor to her grandchildren; Phillip and Liskula and step-grandchild, Kariann. Oldemor to her great-grandchild, Liv. Krista was predeceased by her husband, Frank (2004), her son, Frankie (1968), and an infant son (1956).

Funeral arrangements through Westview Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will be held at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church, 600 Lawson Road, London on Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church hall. Please wear bright colours. In lieu of flowers, a random act of kindness would do her honour.

Our family would like to thank the PSWs from St. Elizabeth’s, especially Blanca and Roberto, and her personal caregiver, Nojoud. These three angels made it possible for Mom to remain in her home as she wished. We would also like to thank Dr. Paige Hacking who was always willing to make a house call.