Patricia Jensen, 80

Patricia Joanne Jensen passed away May 25, 2015, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Patricia was born Sept. 28, 1934, to Vernon and Thelma Nelson in Nampa, Idaho. She grew up all over the Northwest and in 1952 graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School. In 1953 Patricia married Eugene Jensen in the LDS Cardston Temple. They were married for 57 years until his death in 2010.

Patricia was a lover of all things beautiful. She was a professional artist, and her artwork was shown in galleries across the United States. After raising her children, she returned to school and earned her BFA from Brigham Young University in 1991. She went on to earn her teaching certificate later that year because she wanted to share her love of art.

Patricia never let anything get in the way of learning a new skill. If she wanted to make something, she taught herself how to do it. In this manner she taught herself stained glass, printmaking, weaving, sculpture, sewing and multiple other skills that complemented her talent as a watercolorist. She would then turn around and teach those skills to those who wanted to learn.

Patricia was a gifted singer, and sang with many groups including the 3Cs and The Musettes in Springville, Utah. Coming from a musical family, she was certain to instill a love of music in all of her children and we all have fond memories of her singing around the house and in church.

Patricia loved to be involved in all aspects of her children's lives and served as a den mother for several sons as well as attending and supporting many junior and high school music programs involving her children and grandchildren.

She is missed.

Patricia is survived by her sister, LaVern Rutter; and her children: Vicki Smith (Henry), Nels (Sharon), Jens (Susan), Capri Barlow (Rick), Andrea Furston (Derek), Celeste Goodwin (Deon) and Shaun. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the LDS Chapel, 1824 E. 16th, Post Falls, with a viewing at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d'Alene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Patricia's name to local school arts programs.

Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements, and you may view Patricia's online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.