Vivian N. Jensen

1911 ~ 2010

Public Servant

Vivian Nelson Jensen died Sunday, February 21, 2010 of natural causes. Born in a log cabin on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1911, in Redmond, Utah, the first of four daughters born to Franklin T. and Annetta Willardsen Nelson. Raised in that small central Utah community, it was there that she met the love of her life, the late Utah State Senator Moroni L. Jensen. She graduated from North Sevier High School in 1930 and went on from there to Brigham Young Academy where she received a normal degree and Teaching Certificate. She began a career in education in Aurora, Utah where she taught a combined class of 1st and 2nd graders. She married her sweetheart the evening of March 8th, 1934, in the Manti LDS Temple following a full day of teaching. From that union two sons were born, M. Leon and Jerold L. Jensen.

Recognizing the need for enhanced education, she and Moroni sold their home in 1949 and with sons in tow, departed Sevier County for New York City where she would obtain her Bachelor’s degree from Teachers College Columbia University. Returning to Utah, she resumed her teaching career at Richfield Elementary School. In 1952, she and her family moved to Salt Lake City where she held many positions in the Granite School District including teacher at Valley Jr., librarian at Central Jr., guidance counselor at Olympus High. She finished her career in education as a guidance counselor at Skyline High School in 1976.

In November 1980, her husband, who was President of the Utah Senate, died. She was appointed by the late Governor Scott M. Matheson to fulfill the unexpired portion of his term in the Senate. In 1982, she successfully ran for the State House of Representatives where she served for one term.

Throughout her exemplary life, service has been a hallmark. Regardless of the calling, regardless of the sacrifice required, she placed the good of her family and that of her church and state ahead of personal concern or gain. To that end, untold hundreds, if not thousands, of Utah’s students were better because of her dedicated influence. Likewise, society benefited from her contribution as a Legislator, as a faithful member of her church and as a leader in her community and state.

She lived life to the fullest, with grace, a sense of humor and a smile on her face. Although not immune to personal trials and tribulation, she rose above such pitfalls and made the most of every opportunity to bring joy to others until the end.

She is survived by her sons, M. Leon (Hilda) Jensen and Jerold L. (Lee Anna) Jensen, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Ellen Joy (LeGrande) Rolph and Shirley Jean (LaMar) Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a grandson M. Lane Jensen, and a sister Donna N. Prows.

Funeral services to be held on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Imperial 1st Ward Chapel, 2738 So. Filmore Street, Salt Lake City, UT. A viewing will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 So. Highland Dr. and at the Ward 1 hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Redmond City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Primary Children’s Medical Center Foundation, PO Box 58249, Salt Lake City, Utah 84158-0249 or to your favorite charity in her name.

Arrangements under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, Salt Lake City, UT.