Marjorie Anne Jensen
November 25, 1943 - March 5, 2026
Marjorie Anne Josephine Sheeley Heath Jensen passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 5, 2026, at her home in Holladay, Utah.
Marjorie was born on November 25, 1943, Thanksgiving Day, in Superior, Wisconsin, to her birth parents, Robert Maynard and Sophia Sheeley. She grew up in Barron, Wisconsin, where she was lovingly raised by her foster parents, Francis Clark and Bessie Heath.
After graduating from Barron High School in 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Douglas B. Jacobson. The couple moved to Salt Lake City in 1963, where Marje would build the life and community she cherished for decades.
Despite living in Utah, Marje always held a deep love for her home state of Wisconsin. She looked forward to returning often to visit her best friend Beverly and family, attend her high school reunions, and enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes region.
Following her divorce, Marje began working for Dr. Chester Powell, Utah’s first board-certified neurosurgeon. Dr. Powell became one of her greatest mentors and champions, and the two remained devoted friends for many years until his passing.
In 1970, she married Joseph W. Jensen, and they made their home in the Holladay area. They were married for ten years.
Marje enjoyed a long and fulfilling professional career at the University of Utah, where she served in several impactful roles over more than 25 years. One of her favorite positions was working in the Chemistry Department with Dr. Arthur D. Broom.
One of her lifelong goals was to return to school and complete her college degree. As an adult learner, she achieved that goal at the University of Utah while working both full-time and part-time and raising her youngest son as a single mother, a testament to her determination and strength. She graduated summa cum laude and was inducted in the The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi in recognition of her academic achievement.
After retiring from the University of Utah, she began what she jokingly called a “retirement job” with Delta Air Lines. What began as a supplemental occupation turned into another rewarding chapter in her life, and she remained with Delta until her official retirement in 2020.
Marje lived life with passion and commitment, giving her whole heart to everything she did. She was a devoted mother who went above and beyond to make birthdays and holidays special. She always made time and space to fully support her children’s activities and interests. Her home was always open, and over the years many of her children’s friends found a second home there, knowing they were forever welcome.
Her Lutheran faith was central to her life. She was active in church activities and especially enjoyed weekly Bible study. Each year she faithfully set aside money to support her favorite project, the church’s Angel Tree program and looked forward to delivering gifts and seeing the joy they brought to children and families.
Marje loved music and dedicated decades of her time volunteering with the GAM foundation, where she enjoyed supporting the arts, Jazz music, and connecting with the community. She was also a passionate sports fan, especially of University of Utah football, basketball, and women’s gymnastics. She proudly served as a Volunteer Ambassador with FanUp at home and particularly enjoyed ushering at women’s gymnastics competitions, where she loved welcoming fans and being part of the energy of game day.
She was a proud volunteer for the 2002 Winter Olympics and continued for 23 years as a volunteer timer for speedskating events at the Utah Olympic Oval, remaining active through the 2025 season.
Marje loved to travel and explore the world, sharing many adventures with family and friends. In the fall of 2025, she was able to enjoy one final “trip of a lifetime,” cruising the Danube River with loved ones. Though she was not feeling her best, she embraced the experience fully and created lasting memories each day.
Her passing came shockingly quick. Marje was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma only three weeks before her death.
Those who knew Marje will always remember the sparkle in her big brown eyes and the warmth of her infectious smile. She had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her joy for life and sincere care for others leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
She is survived by her four children, Anne Maria (Steve), Jared (Reagan), David, and Jill (Dave); her two beloved granddaughters, Madison and Haley; and her nephews, Lance, Brian and Keith. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Larry.
Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Marjorie’s life on April 23 from 5:30 until 7:30 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be held the following day, Friday, April 24, at 3:00 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1955 Stratford Ave, Salt Lake City, Utah. To watch Marje’s Service live, please click this link.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Marje’s memory to the Angel Tree program at Redeemer Lutheran Church or to The American Cancer Society’s Fight Lymphoma Foundation.
In Loving Memory
Sending my deepest Condolences to the family. Marge was like another mom to me - I will miss her feisty spirit and deep and loyal love that she gave to everyone around her. The world is not the same without her.
Lucky enough to share her last trip with her! So glad we all got to do the European river trip together! She is so sweet, energetic, determined, and just a lovely person on the inside and out!
I was lucky enough to have worked with Marge at Delta Airlines. She was always happy & helpful. May she RIP
Looking back over sixty years, I find myself thinking of Marje’s immense zest for life. She was a woman of deep passions—she poured her heart into everything she did, whether she was creating a masterpiece in the kitchen or raising our daughter with such care. She had a rare, vibrant spirit and an energy that was truly her own. I am so grateful for the amicable bond we kept and, above all, for the wonderful mother she was to Anne Maria."
I would like to send out my heartfelt condolences to Marje’s family. Marje was incredible woman and someone I was proud to call a friend. I moved to Utah in 2001 to prepare for the winter Olympics. I met Marje along with many other volunteers the first time I raced at the Utah Olympic oval. I had no idea that her daughter worked upstairs in the administrative offices, but every weekend race, Marje was one of the friendly faces I saw. Marje was a speedskating volunteer for over 23 years! She along with the other volunteers during her time here provided valuable opportunities for individuals like me to hone their skills while chasing their Olympic dreams. When I was on top of the Olympic podium in 2002, I remember seeing the faces of so many people that help me get there and I can honestly say that Marje was one of those faces. I was fortunate enough to have a private conversation with her the last time she volunteered this past winter. We sat and talked about her recent trips and her family. She lived her life with love for those around her and made this world a better place. She will be missed. On behalf of all of the thousands of skaters that have come through the Utah Olympic Oval during her time as a volunteer, thank you Marje. May you rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Anne Maria, Jared, David, Jill, family and friends of Marje. I was shocked to hear she passed. I knew Marje as a bright, warm, classy woman. She was bold and passionate about topics important to her and stepped up when she saw an unaddressed need. I admired her ability to easily relate to others and enjoyed talking with her. I pray you find peace and that memories of your adventures and time shared together fill the hole her loss created in your heart.
We are so saddened at Marje's passing. But we rejoice at the surety of a glorious resurrection because of Jesus Christ and look forward to seeing her infectious smile again. For over 20 years and countless World Cup and National speed skating competitions, Marje sat on my right as a fellow timer at the Utah Olympic Oval. Her always happy outlook and constant smile kept us going through long competition days. Until we meet again dear friend!
In Loving Memory
