Jeffrey Madden Jensen of Stratford - our beloved patriarch, husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, cheerleader, and so much more - entered into eternal rest on Sunday June 2, 2024, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was at home surrounded by the love of his family when he left his earthly body behind. Jeff was born on the selfproclaimed "greatest day of the year" - January 2, 1950, in Bridgeport, CT. Jeff had one sibling, his older brother, John Amend Jensen II. His parents, Jack and Betty, fostered a love of adventure and a thirst for knowledge in John and Jeff by taking them on frequent road trips, often to attend Jack's Kiwanis conventions. On each journey they would visit local landmarks, state buildings, colleges, and universities, encouraging the boys to expand their knowledge, curiosity and desire to explore the world around them. By the time Jeff was 21 he had traveled to 49 out of 50 states. Jeff was a seeker of knowledge and a forger of new pathways. If he met a roadblock or challenge, his incredible mathematical mind would visualize a previously uncharted path or formula to find a way around the obstacle. He was fueled by joy, love and peace and the pursuit of these for all.

Much of Jeff's childhood was spent both playing and watching tennis, football, basketball, baseball, swimming, and, later, his real passion - squash. His love of sports spanned his lifetime. Jeff attended The Unquowa School in Fairfield, CT for kindergarten through 8th grade. It was clear at a young age that his brain was that of a mathematical wizard. It was an incredible phenomenon to watch him solve even the most challenging math problem with ease and in record time. After grade school, he went on to attend Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA. There he continued to be challenged and inspired academically and was a member of both the glee club and football team. During the summers Jeff worked as the tennis pro at the Hunt Club in Westport and later in the Trust Department of the Connecticut National Bank. After high school, Jeff took a year to explore the world outside the US. He attended TASIS, The American School in Switzerland, where he made lifelong friends, explored the world, learned to be independent and became fluent in Italian. When he returned to the US, Jeff attended and graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He was on the swim team and was a member and President of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Most importantly, it was there that he met his one true love, Patty, on a blind date arranged by friends. They knew early on that they were meant to be together forever. During his Senior year of college, Jeff enlisted in the Army Reserves where he had an honorable 30+ year military career retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was dutiful and proud of his military career, but never wavered in his hope and drive for peace throughout the world.

Patty and Jeff were married in September of 1972 and soon after left for his first official post for the Army (ironically) at Fort Bliss, TX, where Patty became pregnant with their first daughter, Jennifer. Their second daughter, Kirsten, followed three years later, completing their family of four. After finishing his assignment in Texas, Jeff and Patty returned to Fairfield County, where he went to work with his father at General Motor Service and Truck Company, the oldest GMC dealership in the United States. They also owned General Truck Leasing Company which was Jeff's primary responsibility for the first several years. Jeff worked alongside his father and helped grow their business for over 20 years. In the late 1980's they acquired the White/Volvo franchise and changed the company name to Jensen White GMC. It was a time filled with great achievement and sacrifice. His hours were long, but he always made time for his family. Jeff was fueled by his love of family; he was always delighted by and supportive of his daughters' aspirations and dreams. He was at every game, concert, or play - always cheering the girls on and celebrating their achievements. He and Patty provided abundant opportunities for their girls to expand their horizons, making their education a priority, both in and out of school. The family traveled to Europe on many occasions and explored the US on several cross-country adventures, most of which had the girls white knuckling in the back seat as they drove at mock speed to the next wonder of the world. At each location, Jeff and Patty made sure that each important fact and historical detail was shared with the girls inspiring their desire to learn and be curious about the world around them.

Although Jeff loved speed, he also loved control and had a keen understanding of how things work, especially automobiles. He was a masterful driver and had an immersive love affair with cars - Jaguars, Alfa Romeos and BMWs were his top 3 cars, but he loved anything designed with beauty and real power under the hood. His cars are easily identified by their customized license plates. You could frequently find him at a race car driving event with his daughters who share his love for all things speedy.

After his time at Jensen White GMC, Jeff served in various roles, all centered around number crunching and real estate. He, much like his mother, was vigorously dedicated to each and every role he served and always went above and beyond the expectation of his duties.

Outside of work Jeff was a champion for all, humans and animals alike. He was a devout Catholic whose faith was unwavering despite the many challenges he faced, even during his long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was passionate about music and had a welltrained voice that filled each place he sang sounding like a songbird. He used his voice to express his devotion to Christ and the church every Sunday as the cantor at St. Ann church in Bridgeport for the last 40+ years. Jeff valued his family above all and had a great affinity for celebrating each milestone in a wonderful and personal manner. Each family birthday and holiday was celebrated with a heartfelt beautiful and sometimes humorous self-written poem delivered with love and overflowing with emotion. Jeff adored his grandchildren and celebrated and supported each of them in the same way he did both his daughters. He was well known in his grandchildren's community as their biggest fan as he cheered LOUDLY and kept close tabs on every achievement no matter how small or large. He wore his immense pride for all to see through open displays of emotion and praise.

Jeff had a passion for volunteering. He started by serving as a board member, and then President of Family Services Woodfield in Bridgeport for many years, where he spearheaded a capital campaign to expand the agency's physical capacity to assist those in need. He then combined his love of big dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs to be specific, and his love of helping people. He trained each of his dogs and led them through the certification process to become licensed therapy dogs. With his trusty stewards by his side, he was dedicated to spreading love and joy at Lord Chamberlain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Stratford, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. More recently he and Tucker became part of the Stratford Public Library's Tail-Wagging Tutor program, where they both encouraged youngsters just learning to read.

Throughout his illness, Jeff never complained. He turned the negative into a time to spread love and therapy with Tucker. Each time he received chemotherapy treatments at Smilow Cancer Center in Trumbull, either Jennifer or Kirsten (who alternately accompanied Jeff) would take Tucker to patients who wanted to receive Tucker's love in between giving his love and healing powers to Jeff.

Jeff was an extraordinary wordsmith who used humor and wit to brighten the days of anyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path. He embodied all things happy, the magical twinkle in his eye, his perfectly matched to the occasion bowtie and his funky sock collection, curated to bring about joy in others. He loved fiercely, played hard and gave of himself freely. He would not want us to grieve his loss but to take his life story and use it as inspiration to go out and make the world a better place, to help those around us whenever possible and be sure to celebrate those we love and cherish. We are all so thankful for the glorious picture of kindness, joy and love he painted for us to use as our guide as we navigate life without him.

Jeff was pre-deceased by his mother, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Jensen and father, John (Jack) Amend Jensen. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Patricia Brooks Jensen, daughters Jennifer (Béla) Anka, Kirsten (Keith) Tawczynski, his "Son" Bernese Mountain Dog, Tucker, and his most cherished grandchildren: Emily, Allison, Abigail, Elise and Oliver. He is also survived by his brother John (Rebecca) Jensen, his nephew, John (Lauren) Jensen and niece Sarah (Christian) Lowe; Brother-in-law, Bruce (Connie) Brooks and their children, Jamie and Rebecca. In addition, he leaves behind his chosen family: Emilia, Katya, Sonia and Peter Klumpp.

Jeff's family would like to express thanks and gratitude to the many talented, wonderful, caring and helpful doctors, nurses and caregivers who have been an integral part of our family for the past 23 months. We most especially thank Bevon Rutherford, who for the past two years, came every weekday for four hours to keep Jeff company and care for him. They became fast friends.

Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, June 11 from 5-7 at The Dennis & D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home at 2611 Main Street, Stratford. A Funeral Mass celebrating Jeff's life will be held on Wednesday, June 12 at 11 at St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster St. Bridgeport, CT. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a gift in Jeff Jensen's memory, the family gratefully suggests The Connecticut Hospice where Jeff and Tucker spent many hours volunteering.