Nada Marie Jensen

Nada Marie Jensen, a beloved mother, homemaker, and cherished member of her community, passed away on March 10th in Sun City, Arizona. Born on May 20, 1929, in Carthage, Missouri, Nada was the second child of nine born to Walter and Marie Shields. As a young child, her family relocated to the Greater Kansas City area, where she attended public schools and laid the foundation for a life filled with love, kindness, and generosity.

Nada and Edward Jensen were married in 1945, beginning a partnership that would last 57 years. Together, they raised five children in the greater Kansas City area, nurturing a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable aroma of her wonderful cooking and baking. Nada was known not only for her culinary talents but for her loving spirit—always kind, generous, and ready to help anyone who needed her. Her children recall fondly the delicious meals and baked goods that were offered from her kitchen with an open heart.

In 1988, Nada and Edward made the compassionate decision to move to Sun City, Arizona, to care for a family member. It was here that Nada became affectionately known as the "Pie Lady" at her church, a testament to her exceptional skill and heartfelt joy in cooking for others. Her love of reading and crocheting also brought her comfort and creativity during her days.

Nada’s life was woven with strong family ties and abundant love. She is survived by her son Edward Jensen and his wife Barbara of Sun City, Arizona; her daughter-in-law Linda Jensen of Ottawa, Kansas; her daughters Nada Nott and her husband Terry of Overland Park, Kansas, and Patricia Anderson of Stilwell, Kansas; and her son Daniel Jensen and his wife Susana of Kansas City, Kansas. Nada’s three sisters—Doris Dean of Overland Park, Kansas; Billie Mark of Calusa, California; and Deborah Newman and her husband David of Wichita, Kansas—also carry forward her legacy. The love she shared extends dazzlingly into the next generations, with 34 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren who were touched by her gentle spirit.

Nada was preceded in death by her devoted husband Edward Jensen; her parents Walter and Marie Shields; her son Michael Jensen; and her siblings Ina Bledsow, Florence Davis, Janice Frydendall, Walter Shields Jr., and Nancy Bruffet.

Throughout her life, Nada remained a beacon of love, warmth, and support to all who knew her. Her unwavering kindness and the simple joy she found in cooking, baking, and caring for others will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have been part of her life. She leaves a legacy defined by generosity and heartfelt devotion to family and community.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley of Peoria, Arizona, honoring the compassionate care that supported Nada in her final days. Though she is deeply missed, Nada Marie Jensen’s spirit and love will forever remain in the hearts of those she so dearly loved.