Marne Lynne Jensen

Together with her fierce intelligence and fearless personality, Marne Jensen’s dry wit and sense of style offered the world, and those who knew her, something special: a woman entirely herself, perceptive and unapologetic, with an instinct for both the absurd and the beautiful.

Born June 10, 1966, to Karen (nee Fink) and Joe Jensen, Marne was soon joined by beloved sister Jodi in Valemount, BC. Her father’s work took her to small communities across the province, grounding her nuanced perspective and approach to life, before landing in Victoria. Marne was firm but also forgiving; pragmatic about life’s realities, but romantic about its possibilities.

Marne’s life was defined by her commitment to making things better for people. From her leadership in the student movement in the 1990s to her many roles in BC’s public sector including as a senior political advisor to members of BC’s cabinet, manager of the UVIC Students’ Society, in labour relations and policy roles with BC Transit, Greater Victoria School District and BC Public School Employers’ Association, and as a member of the UVIC Board of Governors, Marne exemplified the best of public service and its enormous potential to advance equity, justice and fairness – values that were core to who she was.

Marne was respected and loved by family, friends, and colleagues and was a generous mentor, support and role model to many. Few savored a good laugh and lively conversation over long lunches more than Marne. She cherished her sobriety and recovery community. She loved creative tension, Fluevog shoes, and her cat Lucy.

Marne had so much more to say, to do and to give. But very sadly, she passed away surrounded by family on August 30 just a few short weeks after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Survived by mom Karen and step-dad Bruce Squire, sister Jodi Jensen and Andrew Fergus, step-mom Julie Jensen and companion Lucy, Marne will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A gathering in Marne’s memory is being planned; for details: [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Victoria Women’s Transition House.