Alice Jensen

Alice Humphrey Jensen, long time HoU Chapter member, was cut down in the prime of her life at age 86 on June 5, 2002.

Alice lived life to the fullest and every day was the prime of her life.

Born in Panguitch, Utah, May 23, 1916 to Joseph William and Helga Nielson Humphrey. Married Paul Elliott Jensen, April 3, 1935, raised five children: Eugene Jensen, Portland, OR; Jerry (Lee) Jensen, American Fork; Doris King, Murray; Linda (Kirk) Granat, Salt Lake; Julie (Bob) Mayhew, Salt Lake. She had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless friends the world over who will miss her dearly.

Graduated Snow College 1951, BS from BYU 1952, MS from U of U 1966. Served on State Board of Alcohol & Drugs, Utah Mental Health Comm., ACLU Board, Andrews Committee Against Capital Punishment, Gina Bachauer Board, and the NAACP. Received COPE (Community of Political Education) Award from the AFL-CIO and co-founded a half way house for mentally ill returning to society from the State Hospital. Ahead of her time she began an "Adopt a Grandparent" Program in the late '50's, pairing 8th grade students with convalescent home residents and set up a remedial reading program enlisting parent involvement.

She was a mother, teacher, counselor, political activist, promoter of the arts, and respected community leader. Alice was the ultimate human being and saw and brought out the best in people. A lifelong "Liberal" Democrat she was a tireless crusader for the underdog. Open minded and accepting she was a haven for anyone who didn't fit the mold. She treated people from all walks of life equally and believed in the value and worth of every individual.

She adored working with junior high students, an age when, in her words, "even their own parents don't like them" and as the school counselor at Orem Junior High, she made a difference in countless lives. She had a passion for the arts and advocated to keep art programs in the schools.

We already miss her very much.

Alice was profiled in our Member Spotlight in April 1999.