Barbara Walejko-Jensen, beloved mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and sister, passed peacefully from this world on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the age of 85.
She was born on November 12, 1940, to Leo and Victoria (Bluma) Karcz in Hofa Park, Wisconsin. Barbara was one of nine children. She was a woman of deep faith, genuine warmth, and had an open heart that welcomed everyone who entered her home.
A lifelong and devout Catholic, Barbara lived her faith quietly. This was apparent in the way she loved her family and friends and in the grace with which she carried her life's joys and sorrows alike.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband George Walejko, with whom she shared 30 wonderful years until his death in 1987; and by her second husband Richard “Dick” Jensen, with whom she shared 21 beautiful years until his death in 2012.
Barbara made her home across Southern California for many years, living in Placentia, Escondido, and Chino. She dedicated 25 years to a career as a Medical Transcriber before retiring. She spent the next 25 years doing what she loved most: spending time with her family. She was an avid gardener, a gifted cook, a creative crocheter, and a woman with Lady Luck on her side when at a casino. She could spend hours absorbed in a puzzle, and she never missed a Green Bay Packers game — her loyalty to the green and gold was lifelong and unwavering. She also enjoyed shopping, traveling, and playing cards with her family.
She is survived by her children: Kathie Varisco, Mike Walejko and his wife Esther, Jane Brady, and Mark Walejko. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Laurie Ann Worden, and is lovingly remembered by Laurie's husband, Larry Worden.
Barbara leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Michael Worden; Matthew Worden and his wife Brittany; Ryan Worden and his wife Sonya; Anastasia Varisco; Natalie Varisco; Rachel Varisco Rodriguez and her husband David Rodriguez; Kevin Walejko and his wife Christina; Jake Walejko and his wife Jetta; Genavie Watkins and her husband Joey; Grant Brady; and Isabella Walejko. She also cherished her two great-grandchildren, Luke Worden and Lando Worden.
Barbara is also survived by her brothers Ray Karcz, Alvin Kenneth Karcz, James Karcz, and Roger Karcz. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Geraldine Egnarski and Judy Ditscheit; and her brothers Jerome Karcz and Melvin Karcz.
Barbara unselfishly loved others with her whole heart and will be missed in ways that words cannot describe.
With our love and gratitude — Kathie, Mike, Jane, and Mark.
