Judith Ann Jensen

1935 - 2025

Judith Ann Jensen

November 1, 1935 - September 8, 2025

Modesto, California - Judith Ann (Kirk) Jensen was born in San Francisco, California, on November 1, 1935, to parents George R. Kirk and Freda R. Kirk. Four years later the family was joined by sister Nancy. The family moved to Escalon and then Modesto in the late 1940's and Judy graduated from Modesto High School in 1953. After high school, Judy worked for the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. She met and married J. Wilmar Jensen in 1957. They enjoyed 66 wonderful years of marriage until his death in early 2024.

Judy and Wilmar raised four children, Mark (Mary Ann), Kristine, Kirk (Stacy) and Karen (Nick Petrulakis). As the years went by, their family grew with grandchildren, Matthew (Amber), Lars, Julia, William, Robert (Cheyenne), Andrew (Claudia), Allison (Jacob Pura), Elizabeth and Kristina; along with great-grandchildren, Zachary and Ryan. Judy was a loving parent and grandparent and a strong and steady presence in their lives.

Judy was a consistent contributor to her community over the years. She was an active participant in many community groups, including Friends of Hospice, Omega Nu, the P.E.O., the McHenry Museum Guild, the Eastern Star, the Modesto Garden Club, the Stanislaus County Commission on Women, and the Stanislaus County Republican Women. Judy was honored to be selected as a member of the 1984-85 Stanislaus County Grand Jury. Judy also served as a judge for the Modesto Fourth of July Parade for several years, together with her daughter Kristine in later years. Community Hospice honored Judy and Wilmar with the John & June Rogers Philanthropic Award in 2016. Judy and Wilmar were also members of Del Rio Country Club for over 60 years, where Judy hosted her bridge clubs and enjoyed many Mother's Day brunches with the family.

Judy went back to college later in life and graduated from CSU Stanislaus with a bachelor's degree in 1978. She was an excellent student and particularly enjoyed studying everything she could about Africa. She made several friends while attending college who became lifelong friends and travel partners. Judy was so fascinated with Africa that she took at least six different trips there over the years. On the last trip she made to Africa, she was able to bring her oldest grandchild Matthew.

After graduating, Judy became very involved with CSU Stanislaus, becoming the president of the Alumni Association and serving for many years on their Advisory Board. She was privileged to serve on the selection committee for University Presidents, including John Moore and Marvalene Hughes. Judy also belonged to the American Association of University Women.

Judy was very active in helping to plan and organize reunions of the Modesto High School Class of 1953. The group held reunions faithfully every five years until the 65th Class Reunion in 2018. She maintained her friendships with many of her classmates over all of those years.

Judy loved to travel. In addition to her African adventures and other trips with her friends, she and Wilmar traveled to many countries together, often on trips led by her CSU Stanislaus professors. They were also able to take the entire family on many trips, including a family cruise every year from 2006-2019. Judy visited some 56 countries and frequently reflected on how lucky she was to have seen so much of the world.

She was also a dedicated bridge player. Judy belonged to many different bridge clubs and groups over the years, forming lifelong friendships with her bridge partners. She was a voracious reader and regularly devoured as many as four or five novels a week. Her home is filled with books, family pictures and memorabilia from her African travels. She was a consistent supporter of the arts in Modesto, regularly contributing to and attending events of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, Opera Modesto, Central West Ballet, Modesto Performing Arts, Gallo Center for the Arts, and many others.

In addition to her children; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; Judy is survived by her sister, Nancy (Bob Shuck); nephew, Gary Merrick (Joanne); nieces, Margot (Skip Yost) and Sally (Bob Miller); along with several great-nieces and nephews. Judy loved her family and was a loyal, caring and valued friend to many in the community.

Burial will be private. A celebration of Judy's life will be held October 3, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Del Rio Country Club, 801 Stewart Road, Modesto, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Judy to Community Hospice, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, the Gallo Center for the Arts, or to your favorite charity.

Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapels, Newman.