Our beloved sister Karen E Jensen passed away on 7/5/2025. She joins our parents Stan and Margaret Jensen in heaven watching down on our family. Karen is survived by her siblings, brother Eric Jensen, and his wife Ann, sister Barbara Tedford and her husband Rick, brother Carl Jensen and wife Colleen, her nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Karen retired from Chestnut Ridge Elementary school principal in June of 2016 after a long career in education and although her retirement was not what she envisioned she met her challenges with dignity and courage. Karen loved her job and touched so many lives from the staff to all her students (who she loved dearly) and their families.
In retirement Karen became part of the Highlands of Pittsford community and later Leo’s house at Creekstone where Karen’s warm smile endeared her to both residents and staff.
The family has chosen not to have any calling hours and will have a private celebration of life later at the convenience of the family. If you wish to honor Karen the family encourages you to donate to Ronald McDonald house, RPH Memory care at Creekstone, the U of R Hospice group .
23 responses to “Jensen, Karen E.”
Condolences to Karen’s family she was a thoughtful and kind person. I was blessed by having her as our principal.
I’m sorry to hear the news about Karen’s passing. I remember her fondly, she was kind, positive & supportive of me when she was my principal at CRS.
Rest in Peace dear Karen. It was my privilege to have worked with, and for, her. Karen loved children and worked to improve their lives. As a staff member I always found her beautiful smile and calm demeanor to her strongest attribute among many. My life is richer for having had Karen a part of it.
I’m so sorry for your loss . Karen was a special person. I’m glad I got to know and work with her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen was a kind and gentle person. She was an excellent resource teacher at Churchville Elementary. I am sure she changed many students lives. She was also a very supportive principal. She was proud of her school and her teachers. I am sorry for your loss.
I was fortunate enough to have worked side by side Karen for many years at CES. We kept our doors open after school had ended and collaborated about students and shared so many laughs. I enjoyed my visits to Highland to see her and bring her to Starbucks. Her smile always lit up a room. I’m blessed to have so many fond memories of her. She now is in Heaven with her kitty!
I have fond memories of Karen as a warm and friendly neighbor on Hillary Lane. Your mom’s warmth and commitment to fair housing as part of the League of Women Voters priorities encouraged us to move to Hillary LANE.
Bob and I send our condolences to all of you.
To Karen’s family….I am so very sad to hear about your loss. Karen hired me as a teacher at CRS, and she was the best support throughout my early years there. She always had a smile, was kind, and we always found something to laugh about. One time I remember admiring a little angel that she had and I commented on it. A week or so went by and I went to pack my bag to go home, and I noticed the same angel tied to my teaching bag. I ran up to ask her when she had put it there and she said oh no that wasn’t me! But I really know it was. I still have that angel. Every time I look at it, I think of her. RIP, Karen.
It was a pleasure working with Karen. Her warm smile and kind heart is something I’ll always remember. Rest in peace Karen.
It was a pleasure to have been a colleague of Karen’s. She was a dedicated, thoughtful and caring educator who truly made a difference.
So sorry to hear about Karen. She was a wonderful person and a pleasure to work for at CRS. I will never forget her beautiful smile. Sending thoughts and prayers and many hugs.
Prayers for the whole family. I knew Karen from grade through high school. She always had a great smile for everyone.
Eric, Carl and family,
with thoughts and prayers for you!
I enjoyed knowing Karen for years at Highlands at Pittsford.
Karen had lots of love from staff and friends.
Karen’s beautiful smile will always be a special memory for me!
Doretta OConnor
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Karen. She was a beloved principal at Chestnut Ridge Elementary. She always wore her beautiful smile and had an easy laugh and kind manner with students and staff. She treated everyone with dignity and respect. She was missed when she left the school. I know she will be sorely missed by all her loved ones.
I’m so sorry to hear that Karen has passed away. She was my principal at CRS and was very kind, generous and quick to smile! She always let us park in her driveway when we went to Bills training camp! She will be missed!
Deepest sympathy to Karen’s family. I was happy to help care and know her while she was with us at the Highlands of Pittsford. She will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear about Karen’s death. I volunteered at CRS for many years, and working with Karen was a joy. I am so sorry for your loss.
As parents of a former CRS student and being a retired teacher myself, we recognized and deeply respected Karen’s skills as an administrator and educational leader. Our child’s years there were great. Our involvement in community there also great. There was a culture of caring and peace in the school because of Karen’s leadership. Karen did it with class and style. Karen influenced many lives. Condolences and peace.
The Myers
Oh my! Karen was a good friend all through grade and high school. I wondered why I couldn’t connect with her any more for the past few years. She had such a sweet spirit, was kind and sophisticated, a real classy gal. My heart goes out to her family. I am a better person for having been able to call her my friend.
Karen was a beautiful person. As a CRS parent I had the pleasure of working beside Karen through many PTO and school events. She was a wonderful person and a treasured friend. We are so very sorry for your family’s loss. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
I have fond memories of Karen from our time together as “cross the street” neighbors on Crestline Road. In retirement, we were both members of the Alpine Book Club. As others have noted, I will remember Karen’s warm smile. Sending deep sympathy to her family.
Karen became a close friend as a freshman at Wittenberg University. We were society sisters, shared the same major, were roommates, and shared the same group of friends. We kept in contact for the next almost 50 years. Reading the comments from friends, coworkers, and neighbors there is no doubt she was genuine and always presented herself the same to everyone—kind, intelligent, caring, with a beautiful radiant smile and laughter. I will miss you, my dear friend. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Karen was one of my earliest friends. We played together as children and I really enjoyed her friendship. Her family moved and I lost track of her, but I have good memories of her and her family.