Edith (Tracy) Jensen

Greece: Edith Tracy Jensen, 94, a woman of faith and strong convictions who was devoted to her family, went to be with the Lord on June 22, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

To Edith, family always came first whether it was her seven siblings, her three children and their spouses, her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. She was born in Rochester and graduated from the former John Marshall High School. In 1949 she married her great love, Thorvald T. Jensen, who passed away in 2017.

Edith, who was generous, gracious and welcoming, enjoyed entertaining. Her family parties are legendary along with her trademark “Edie brownies.” She often made a place at her holiday celebrations for relatives, friends or friends of her children who found themselves alone. Christmas was the highlight of her year and she strove to make each one special and memorable.

No matter the distance, weather or other obstacles, Edith always made sure she was at every Baptism, wedding, First Communion, graduation or other important milestones in the lives of her family. She once interrupted her vacation to travel 1,200 miles back to New York to be at her grandson’s Confirmation.

Family members often turned to Edith for advice, counsel and encouragement because of her insight, wisdom and compassion. Among her favorite bits of advice were, “Get real.” and “Remember, all you have is today, so make the best of it.”

Edith was a retiree of the Eastman Kodak Co. and former member of the Barnard Fire Department’s Ladies’ Auxiliary. She belonged to St. Mark’s Parish in Greece.

Edith is survived by her children: Richard (Marlene), Lynda (Gary) Donovan and Randy (Betsy); grandsons, Christian (Brittany), Eric, Joshua (Casey) and Michael Donovan (Nathan Last); and great-grandchildren, Ella and Amelia Jensen, Brendan and Margot Jensen and Lottie Donovan-Last. She is also remembered by dear nieces and nephews and special friend, Patricia Reynolds.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Ella Tracy; brothers Joe and Earl Tracy and sisters, Marian Pickering, Ruth Reis, Evelyn Byrnes, Gerry Walsh and Dorothy Wilmot.

Funeral services and burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Supportive Care Team, 300 East River Road, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, N.Y. 14627.

Please write a memory or share a condolence to the family by visiting www.watermanfuneralhome.com

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