Brigitte Jaensch

Brigitte Jaensch, fondly known as "BJ" to many, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, just before her 78th birthday. She will be missed by many, but most especially by her brother, Karl Jaensch.

Born in Stetten, Germany, Brigitte immigrated to the United States at the age of 4 along with Karl and their mother. Sponsored by family, they briefly lived in Minnesota and then in Modesto.

After graduating from UC Santa Cruz and completing her teaching credential, Brigitte spent 10 years teaching high school German in Fairfield and later, San Jose.

In 1980, Brigitte began working for the State of California, serving a total of 23 years; initially with the Department of Real Estate, later with the Department of Housing and Community Development, then retiring in 2004 from Caltrans.

Brigitte was known for her wide-ranging knowledge in transportation planning, land use, housing and air quality, as well as her skilled collaboration with local planning agencies.

She is warmly remembered for her mentoring of staff, her sharing of knowledge, dedication, inclusiveness, and elegance. Brigitte spent the last two years with Caltrans in cancer treatment which she bore with dignity while continuing to work.

Brigitte was an active and respected member of Great Decisions, a participatory seminar on American foreign policy held by Renaissance Society every year. Her deep concern for Palestinians was evident. She was an advocate for justice in the Middle East long before it was a popular cause. All seminar members were impressed by her remarkable memory; the information and data she cited were always accurate.

A co-founder of Sacramento Bethlehem Sister City, Brigitte traveled to Palestine in 2010 for the official signing ceremony with the mayor of Bethlehem. Her love of teaching and young people found a focus in helping to fund Bethlehem area libraries, reading enrichment programs, student exchanges, and Palestinian university student scholarships. One project resulted in the publishing of five Arabic language children's books.

She served on the Sacramento Area Peace Action Board from 2007 to 2019. A lifetime advocate for the rights of Palestinians, she was one of the co-founders of the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights that started in 2012.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, 3-5pm at 909 12th St. Sacramento. Donations in honor of Brigitte can be made to organizations that support Palestinian Rights.