Cheryl Marie Jensen

In Loving Memory: Cheryl Marie Jensen

August 25, 1955 – February 16, 2026

Cheryl Marie Jensen, age 70, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, under the care of hospice in her daughter's home in Wallace, Michigan. Cheryl completed a life defined by selfless commitment to her family and friends, conviction in her faith, and duty to helping others in every way possible.

Born on August 25, 1955 in Menominee, Michigan to the late Mary Emerance Jensen, a nurse and homemaker, and Nels Peter Jensen, a merchant marine sailor who passed when she was young. Cheryl remained a resident of Marinette for most of her life. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, and provided in-home childcare and worked as a paraprofessional at Park Elementary School. She spent the last decade in Cocoa, Florida before returning to her home area for her final resting place.

Cheryl's paternal grandfather was a first-generation Danish American who worked as a lighthouse keeper on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. She received Native American heritage from her paternal grandmother and Cheryl lived as a proud member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Her maternal grandmother and grandfather established a large family that gave her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cheryl maintained a precious close relationship with her mother until she passed just before her 90th birthday. She cherished her four brothers. Each of them held a special place in her heart in their own unique ways. Her brother, Peter Jensen, rightly was among those holding her hand through her last breaths.

With a vibrant smile and contagious laugh, Cheryl's interactions were intentional, attentive, and sincere. Her advice was bold and honest, while being affectionate. She valued nature, learning, fun, laughter, and family. She had a fervor for daily life and was a multipassionate woman. She loved art, music, crafting, gardening, reading, speed walking, sunbathing, fashion, holiday decorating, beach days, countryside drives, camping, vacationing, sports. Cheryl encouraged high academic and extracurricular achievement. She tutored her children at home to expand upon their school lessons, volunteered for their classrooms and teams, and had the loudest cheering voice at their events.

Fueled by her God-given energy and ambition, she spent life gifting her time and caring for loved ones. She was truly an exceptional homemaker and caretaker. She prided herself in being efficient, thorough, and expert in the breadth of all that she did, and her work ethic was unmatched. Her baked goods and home-cooked meals were especially popular. She could often be found on a phone call, lending a tender ear or sharing much-needed laughs. She made certain that everyone within her reach ate well, looked well, and felt well.

The most fortunate beneficiaries of Cheryl's love and excellence are her two children. Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Tracy (Timothy JR) Smotucha and her son, Christopher Beyer. She devoted her whole self to their needs in childhood and adulthood. Being a mother was her calling and she succeeded in the role beyond measure. She is also survived by her brothers; Peter Jensen and Jack (Sharon) Jensen; cousin and soul sister, Sandy Benish; dear friends, Desiree (Jerry) Lynch and Colleen Leos; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and former in-laws. She is further survived by her new grandson, Timothy "Trip" Smotucha III, who she adored. She spent her final days and the very last of her strength playing and giggling with Baby Trip and smiling at him. Her final spoken request was that he sit with her to hold hands and clap together. He will forever hear stories of Grandma boasting about him, her cooing "Hey little man!" and shouting "Go baby go!"

Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother and father; her brothers, William Jensen and Keith Jensen; and her beloved niece, Missy Kmecheck.

Cheryl's life was full of beautiful blessings and difficult challenges, all of which she met with steadfast Christian faith and the firm belief, "Everything is in God's hands." She insisted that all her gratitude and resilience came from God. She will be so dearly missed by so many.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to UP Health System Home Care and Hospice of Menominee and Escanaba, Michigan. Their nurses and aids provided compassionate care and dignity to Cheryl in her last month of life. A special thanks to Nikkie, Linda, and Lisa.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Cheryl's honor at a later 2026 date. The family will notify loved ones of event details.