Susan (Sue) Louise Jensen, née Robinson, born in London, England, on April 24, 1933, passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC, on July 14, 2023, 90 years of age. Sue’s parents were Robert and Kathleen Robinson. She had one older sister, Jane, who lives in Chichester, West Sussex.   

Sue grew up in the 1930s in the Punjab Province in India, where her father was a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. Her early education was provided by a governess in India, followed by school in England at the Claremont School for Girls. She then studied to become a speech therapist at the Royal London School of Speech and Drama. Her first teaching job was at the Roedean School in England.

After moving to Canada, Sue married Ole Jensen, and they had two children, Anne and Rob. The family settled in Oakville, Ontario, where Sue found work as a drama teacher at St Mildred’s-Lightbourn School. During this time, she directed many school plays. She then changed careers and taught secondary ESL at Richview Collegiate in Etobicoke, Ontario. At over 50 years old, Sue enrolled in and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Brock University, at the same time she was working full time as a teacher.

Sue led an active outdoor life. She loved to hike and explore the many beautiful trails in Southern Ontario, including the Bruce Trail. She enjoyed field hockey, tennis, sailing and many other sports. She also devoted herself to many good causes, and read news on the Radio for the Blind, and was a volunteer for the Red Cross, The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the Girl Guides.

After her husband died, she relocated to Vancouver Island, to live closer to her daughter.

Sue was a proud mother of Anne and Rob, and beloved grandmother to Sarah, Graham, Johan and Emilia. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Liz-Ann Lawton

    Anne, I saw your mother’s obituary in the Jubilate and wanted to pass on my sympathies. I remember your mother fondly from our drama days at SMLS – ‘Alice in Wonderland’ comes to mind when I was in Grade 5 I think. I enjoyed reading more about her history and her achievements which I hope will inspire myself and others going forward. If I read this correctly, you have retired to Victoria? I have just done the same and would love to connect if this finds you. A beautiful part of the world.

  • Michele Lavallee

    I remember Mrs Jensen fondly from my time at St Mildred’s. She was a very enthusiastic drama teacher who recognized my extreme shyness but encouraged me in a gentle way. I spent many Saturday mornings at the Jensen home in one-on-one sessions with Mrs Jensen in an attempt to coax me out of my shyness and become more talkative. I was probably around 8 or 9 at the time. She was a kind woman who gave her very best to me. I have never forgotten her.

  • Sarah-Jane Walmsley

    I’ve only just read about the passing of your wonderful mum and my amazing Drama teacher Mrs Jensen. I wanted to write and let you know I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother was legendary to me, I have such great affection for her, she nurtured us as students, combining drama and art so beautifully. Her energy was warm and boundless- I feel so profoundly sad but hope you find some comfort in knowing she had such a positive impact on so many of us. (I studied Drama at university and became a Drama teacher myself,she was definitely my inspiration!)
    She was truly special to me and I will never forget her. All the best to you and your family.

  • Janice King

    Dear Anne,

    The tip of your tongue, your teeth and your lips! Mrs Jensen’s words are forever embedded in my head. I was at St. Mildred-Lightbourn School a few years behind you and I always had great admiration for your Mom. I had a quite a few memorable teachers and she is most definitely one of them. Sara Rickards described her best. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
    Janice (Willmott) King

  • Sara Rickards

    Mrs. Jensen, my goodness! I benefited, as a Millie, from the sheer pleasure of Mrs. Jensen’s Drama classes. I can compare her most closely to Katherine Hepburn in her up beat, sporty, tailored, capable feminine strength. “The tip of the tongue, the teeth the lips!” Of course we learned more than posture and oration, we developed self confidence under Mrs. Jensen’s friendly presence. I was a Duke of Ed Millie with so many of those cherished experiences in knitted sweaters and chilly cups of something warm. And how is it only after reading her obituary that I learn Mrs. Jensen was married to Ole from Goose at OYS?! Both of your fine parents are legendary on their own two feet – to have been a couple they must have created an Iconic Family! My heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of your lovely Mom. Please know your Mom sincerely and most positively impacted a generation of women from SMLS.

  • Carrie Brown

    Dear Anne,
    I only met your mother a couple of times but she immediately impressed upon me as a strong, intelligent woman! I knew that any mother of Anne had to be an amazing inspiration! You are so dynamic, energetic and so thoughtful of others, the environment, the world… Your parents had to have been such wonderful role models for you to come along!
    I first had the chance to really talk with your mom on the celebration of your retirement. I know I sat with her as she and I did not really know all the others in the room, and what a lovely surprise I had speaking to her about your career and her career as teachers. I immediately felt a nice connection. She was proud of you.
    I am so sorry that you are suffering this terrible grief after losing your mother. I pray for strength, hope and peace for you in the coming days. I am sure your mother would not have wanted you to be overwhelmed but treasure those awesome memories you had together with your family as seen in all the wonderful photos you have shared.

    Your friend,
    Carrie

  • Patricia Cavanagh

    Sorry to hear of the death of the inimitable”Mrs. Jensen”, our well loved drama teacher at St. Mildred’s. This brought back happy memories of our theatrical productions and endless rehearsals, her energy and optimism. Condolences to the family.

  • Signe

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can only imagine the void you are feeling, as I know that caring for your mom and maximizing her well-being occupied your heart, mind, soul and strength for many, many years. Your mom was fortunate to have such a loving, caring, and devoted daughter. I know that with your humility and gratitude you would emphasize that you, too, were fortunate in that you were raised by a remarkably passionate, accomplished, and inspiring woman. I hope that in the weeks, months, and years ahead, you will see the goodness that was in your mom reflected in the world around you – that the warmth that you experienced from your dear mom in all your years together will wrap arms around you and bring you strength, courage, resilience, and peace. I hope that in experiencing that which is now, you will know that all that was real and meaningful about your mom and your relationship with her will be forever with you, and that, in that knowing, you will smile calmly, sigh with satisfaction, and feel abundant joy.

  • Uffe V. Aagesen

    I knew Sue years before I met her. Her portrait was in a picture frame on a shelf in Ole’s chamber on Kyhnsvej in Ordrup. Ole didn’t talk about her but she was in the room and there was no mistake about it. Ole emigrated to Canada long before I did likewise to the United States, but eventually we ended up within a geographical distance that facilitated a physical reunion. Mary and I had relocated to Corning, N.Y. while Sue and Ole resided in Oakville, Ontario. In 1973 we established contact and shortly afterwards Mary and I embarked on our first visit to Oakville. Ole had been my closest friend back in the old country and soon Sue and Ole became our closest friends in the New World. For Ole and me the focus and mutual interest was still jazz but for Sue and Mary it became children and family and the world around us.
    I cannot count the visits we made to the Toronto area in the next fifteen years; frequently Mary and our three kids – Stephen, Julie and Richard – but just as often I alone on business trips. We got to know Anne and Rob during those years and our family friendships evolved to incorporate them as well. Sue continued to grow as an anchor and a friend and her warmth and intellect were the driving forces. My respect and admiration for Sue as a person grew during the same period as she demonstrated perseverance and resilience; first in her career struggles and subsequently during Ole’s and her own ilnesses. During Ole’s final years it was no longer us visiting Oakville but Sue and Ole visiting Newnan, Georgia on their way down to Florida.
    I was but 15 years old when I formed a friendship with Ole and as I am now approaching my 88th birthday it can be ascertained that I have known the Jensen family for a long time. It was difficult to bid farewell to Ole and equally hard to say goodbye to Sue. In recent years I have faded somewhat but it gives me joy to know that my daughter Julie has stayed in contact with Anne. I pray it will continue.

    Affectionately

    Uffe

  • Julie Aaagesen Campbell

    I knew Sue my entire life. Her husband, Ole, was my father’s best friend. Sue was a kind and gentle, beautiful person. She was a teacher at heart, even in her personal life and in my experience with her. In the fleeting visits we had over the years she was always warm and open and a guiding light. It was a life well lived! I know she is so terribly missed by Annie and Rob and the entire family. Deepest condolences from us for this loss.

  • Amina Jama-Gardner

    Dear Annie,

    My heart aches, ever since I saw this message on Wednesday evening, I couldn’t bring myself to write back. She was your dear mother, but I always considered myself to be her unofficial adopted daughter. She was my teacher, my mentor, my friend and my role model. She was one of the most amazing humans that ever known, I loved her very much and I will forever miss her.

    I am thinking of you, Robert, Sarah, Graham and the rest of the family. Hugs

    Hang in there!

    Ps. (This message was originally sent to Annie but suggested to add to here)

    ♥ ♥

  • Philippa Samworth

    This message is on behalf of myself and my mother Marion. Sue and Marion were best friends. I was lucky enough to to be part of this friendship despite my young age. Sue, Mum and Fran McCallum were looking for a 4th for bridge. I was invited to be that 4th. I thought I was a pretty hot player but I learned so much from the group. When Sue hosted she always made Brandy Snaps for our snack as she knew they were my favourite. I then lucked out and was asked to join their annual trip to Strafford in the summer. The best part was listening to these two erudite and well educated women discussing the play on the way home and commenting on how wrong (and sometimes how right) the Globe and Mail review had been.
    I also have memories of Sue playing tennis at our house, tea parties, New Years Eve parties (I was on dish duty.)
    I visited Mum this past weekend (she is 99) and she was having one of her more lucid days. We talked about Sue and while I am not sure she understood Sue had passed, when I mentioned her name Mum gave a great big smile and said “Yes Sue, I remember.” Our family will always remember Sue with great affection.

  • Clare Samworth

    Sue was our mum’s best friend and they spent many many happy times together from bridge foursomes to tennis to theatre and just plain old cups of tea. Sue was also my drama teacher at St. Mildreds and she kindled in me a love of performing – and performance – that I have to this day. Sue came with me, Mum and my sister Philippa every summer on our outings to see shows at Stratford. I have the best memories of lively conversation in the car on the way there, sumptuous picnics before the show, and thoughtful criticism and commentary about the shows on the way home. Sue always sent my mother pink roses on her birthday and I remember using her home made floating candles for fancy dinners. I also remember getting quite motion sick on the sailboat! Sue was always in our lives somehow and it was sad for Mum and us when she moved West. I know that if Mum was not afflicted with dementia right now that she would have written something eloquent, personal and heartfelt about what Sue meant to her. We should all be so lucky to have friendships like theirs. I feel like Mum is now the very last of that cohort of talented and tough British women that moved to Oakville in the post war years. We have so much to learn from them.
    Clare Samworth (for myself and Marion)

  • Laura

    Sue was a very special person and a great friend to me. I truly enjoyed listening to her speak about her husband Ole, her children and grandchildren, sailing, teaching, art, and travelling. I often told her that the way she spoke and wrote was like poetry. Sue had a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, fascinating life experiences, a great sense of humour, and a zest for life.
    Although she is no longer with us, I know she is proudly watching over all of her family and friends.
    My condolences go out to Sue’s family. May you cherish and seek comfort in the memories. Sending lots of love.
    Laura

  • Ann Biggar

    Sending much love to you all. I will cherish the many fond memories on Carey Road and beyond. I am very grateful to have had such lovely FaceTime visits recently.
    Much love,
    “Big” Ann

  • Susan Mitchell

    Dear Annie,
    I remember meeting your mum for the first time at your Mill Street home at one of our Veggie Gourmet group dinners. Of course we had a little chat about things English and shared a laugh. It was so sad to see her mobility dwindle over the next few years but she always faced difficulties with determination. It was lovely to see her engaged in giving us advice on how to paint with watercolour at her home in Sunrise where you brought her to be near you. And then of course, you and she relocated to Victoria where you tried and succeeded in giving her new experiences to enrich her life. I know there will be a void in your day to day living now your mum is no longer physically with you but you have inherited her strength, her love of reading, her ability to adapt to each challenge in life and much more. I know you will cherish all those moments of happiness you shared…my sincerest sympathy to you and those close to Susan.
    Love as always, Sue

  • Anne Stewart

    Sue Jensen was an inspiring woman who I knew as the mother of my friend, Anne. I remember her also as a good friend of my mother’s, a dedicated teacher and leader in our community. She rode her bike everywhere, and was active in sports. I had the pleasure of joining the Jensen family on several outings – picnics and sailing. They were a joy to be around! She will be missed. Condolences to you Anne and Rob, Love Anne

  • Jennifer (Wilson) Davidson

    Dear Annie,
    It has been many moons but my sister shared with me the news of your mum’s passing. I will always remember your mother as a strong, intelligent and kind woman. Even as the young girl that I was I could see she was an excellent example of these qualities that stood out to me and so much more. I remember her love of sailing and tennis and visiting your welcoming home in Oakville. My thoughts and heart felt condolences to you and yours
    Jennifer

  • Robin Wynne

    Although I don’t remember Sue well, I am very impressed with what she was and who she was, and wish I had known her better. Annie was instrumental in my younger sisters camp experience and we spent some time as children with the Jensen family and I recall being very welcomed.

    Apart from anything else, The world has benefited from a strong determined woman who left her mark on many children I have no doubt, least of all her own. My deepest condolences and love and heartfelt care go out to Annie and Rob and all who knew and loved Sue.

  • Siobhan

    Dear Anne and family,
    I am saddened to hear of the passing of Sue. She was a strong woman with a good heart. I took care of her in Ontario and it was a pleasure to have met her. Her daughter was always a strong supporter of her and her care. I had the joy to visit when she moved to Victoria.
    With love Siobhan

  • Cathy

    Sue always had a wonderful, strong personality. I loved having the opportunity to work for her in Ontario as one of her PSW’s. I enjoyed travelling to Oakville for her to be able to visit friends, as well as helping her live life to its fullest. She will be dearly missed.

  • Karl and Yanna Reimer

    Annie and Rob. The following are a few thoughts Yanna and I have about yer momma. I have known Sue for over 50 years. She was a wonderful friend. Sue was of course, mom to my best friend, Rob and a like a second mom to me. She loved deeply, and always encouraged me to pursue my dreams, inclusive of telling me to risk telling Yanna of my love for her which ultimately lead to our marriage. She lovingly hosted a baby shower for our first son Eliot’s birth. Over the years we would reconnect now and then and pick up where we left off so, so our friendship just kept on keeping on. Sue even took an interest when we adopted our second son. Yanna and I loved Sue deeply and we will miss her greatly. Love Karl and Yanna

  • Karen Ulrich

    Sue and Ole and my parents formed a close friendship back in their early years in Canada – a friendship that would last a lifetime. My parents came to Canada from Denmark in 1956. I think of all of them as a generation of pioneers who traveled overseas to create a life for themselves in another part of the world. They are all gone now, but they live on in our memories and I treasure the friendship that they shared for so many years.

    I knew Sue as a young child. My family returned to Denmark when I was four and my memories of Sue are from my visits to Oakville on several occasions in later years. Sue provided a kind and loving welcome for me when I came to visit as a young adult traveling North America for ten months. Visiting Oakville and taking a trip with Anne and some friends to the cabin on Diamond Lake that my parents helped build back in the day was a lovely experience for me. On later occasions my family and I returned to Oakville to visit with Sue and Ole and they also came to Denmark to visit.

    My sincere condolences to Anne, Rob and your families on the passing of your mother and grandmother.

  • Lalita

    Dear Anne, am very sorry to hear about your Mum’s passing. It must leave big void in your time. I say time, because you shared so much of your time with your mother. Whenever I think of you, I would think of your Mom, and to ask you how she was. You always kept an eye, for her needs, keeping her engaged, entertained. I had the opportunity to meet her a few times, and heard her stories of growing up in India. You will have precious memories to cherish, and help you along the way, as you walk on ahead.

    In friendship, with love

  • Valérie Pinard-Jain

    Susan was a phenomenal woman.

    When she was in residence in Newmarket, I became her visiting librarian. I always enjoyed my visits with her as we both enjoyed talking about art, sailing and India. She was a voracious reader. It is in part because of my interactions with her that I decided to persue a career in libraries when I returned to the job market. I will miss you Susan, but you’ll always have a spot in my heart.

  • Paul Mansell

    A wonderful aunt and a central part of my life’s memories. She was immensely giving and was grounded with her advice and views. She always showed genuine interest for those around her and especially to her close family. Sue will be sadly missed but not forgotten. She leaves my family enriched and happier because of her love and kindness.

  • Rhoda Burns and Margaret Rogers (deceased)

    Sue was a ‘later in life’ friend whom my partner and I met on a trip to Portugal. We had a lot of fun and became fast friends, continuing that friendship until her death in 2023.
    Sue was a very special lady in every way and we were privileged to call her ‘friend.’

  • Sarah Mansell

    Sue was my aunt. Our family enjoyed Christmas in Oakville two years running while we lived in Washington DC – we went to ice hockey games and went skiing for the first time. We also joined Sue and her family for an unforgettable sailing trip one summer down the St Lawrence River.
    Sue and Ole used to come over to see us in the UK many times and she was an integral part of my life. She was a loving sister to my mother and they remained close despite the geographical distance between them.

    My family and I send our love to Anne and Rob xx

  • Katelyn Holtze

    I had the pleasure of getting to know Sue during the later part of her life. Her spirt and zest for life were contagious. We always shared a laugh and great stories. I will hold our memories close. Rest easy sweet Sue.

  • Karina

    Dear Anne,
    I am so sorry your Mum is not of the earth. She is off to a better place and is no longer struggling. May she rest in peace and you and your family be comforted by her memory and the amazing experiences she had whilst here with you all. Please accept my condolences.
    Love, Karina .

  • Indra

    It was my greatest pleasure working for you Mrs J !!To know you is to love you. Even though in my line of work you are not supposed to get attached, with you I just couldn’t help it . I will truly miss you sleep in perfect peace .
    love Indra❤️

  • Julie Abouchar

    “Mrs. J” as we knew Sue growing up in Ontario, was a great Claremont school friend of my mother, Ann.

    I have many fond memories of our visits with the Jensens, and of Sue’s energy and kindness. My thoughts are with Anne and Rob and families.
    Much love, Julie

  • Aynslie Reimer

    Anne and Robin: I am so sorry for your loss. I feel it, too. Our parents were all good friends.

    With love from Aynslie

  • Julie De Pass

    Sue was such a great friend. I have wonderful memories of all those hours we played tennis together. We also managed to do some orienteering when our kids were teenagers. More than all our outdoor exploits I remember her friendship and her wisdom which I valued so much.

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