Mary Kay Catherine Jensen, 78, of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Mary Kay Catherine Jensen, 78, of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Morningside House of Blue Bell in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Services will be held 11:30am Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Graettinger United Methodist Church, 102 S Cameron Ave, Graettinger, IA 51342 with Pastor Terry Luiken officiating. Inurnment will be beside her beloved husband in Valley View Cemetery, rural Graettinger.

Visitation and public viewing will be 4:00pm to 6:00pm Friday, August 22, 2025 at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave. South, Northwood, IA 50459. Cremation rites will be accorded and visitation will continue one hour prior to the service in Graettinger.

Memorials may be sent to PO Box 223, Northwood, IA 50459. 

Mary Kay was born December 31, 1946, in Great Falls, Montana, to William and Helen Elizabeth (Happe) Loos. She grew up in Great Falls before moving to Spirit Lake, Iowa, where she graduated from Spirit Lake High School. She went on to earn degrees from Iowa Lakes College and Mankato College, later achieving her master’s degree from Simpson College.

On June 10, 1967, Mary Kay married her college sweetheart, Richard Stephen Jensen, in Spirit Lake. For 40 years, they shared a life rooted in love, family, and faith—Mary Kay as a devoted wife, mother, and teacher, and Richard as a Methodist minister—until his passing in 2007.

Mary Kay taught special education for 13 years, and her passion for her students went far beyond the classroom. She worked tirelessly to make sure each child not only learned but also felt loved, cared for, and included. She brought that same devotion to her own children, attending countless games and events, cheering them on from the sidelines, and always advocating for them.

She was an active member of the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, and she poured countless hours into serving her church community. Her faith and compassion touched the lives of many.

Mary Kay had a zest for life that showed in her passions. A loyal Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan, she kept separate calendars for each team and wore her fan gear proudly all season long, enjoying friendly banter with those who dared to root for the other side. She loved to cook, try new recipes, and was always eager to learn the latest crafting trend—often excelling at it. She and Rich shared a love for collecting antiques and decorating their home with warmth and charm.

Above all, Mary Kay treasured her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild were her pride and joy, and she would have done anything to spend time with them.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, David (Becca) Jensen of Lincoln, NE, Lisa (Phillip Krienert) Jensen of Spencer, IA, Christine (Ronald) Grant of Lansdale, PA, and Matthew “Bubba” Jensen of Rembrandt, IA; grandchildren, Logan Vculek, Tymeri Vculek, Lana-Rae Prestridge, Alex Ann Marie Jensen, Leo William Jensen, Mary Elizabeth Jensen, Willa Helen Jensen, and James Richard Grant; great-grandchildren, Scotlyn Tisdale, Samuel Danny Meserole, and Remington Ray Prestridge; siblings, Colleen (Greg) Sober, Martin Loos, and Gary (Karen) Loos; along with many extended family members, friends, and former students.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, William and Helen; and several dear friends.

Mary Kay will be remembered as a kind, generous, and joyful woman who always put others before herself. She had a gentle humor and a way of making everyone feel welcome. Even in her final days, she showed her warmth—smiling at her favorite nurse, “Cricket,” one last time. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, devotion to family, and a heart that loved deeply.