Obituary of Margaret A. Jensen

Mom, Margaret "Peig" Jensen of Horseheads took her last breath on October 23, 2021 surrounded by loved ones at her home. Mom was born in Tenafly, NJ on June 15, 1931 to her loving parents John Vincent Moore and Helen Breen Moore. She graduated from the Tenafly High School and went on to study Stenotype at the Stenotype Institute of New York. She continued education throughout her life. Mom dearly missed her daughter, Jennifer, who passed away in 1978 and her husband of 58 years, Robert "Bob" who passed away in 2009. Mom was fortunate to have three grandchildren, Brett Cafferty (Toni), Emily Cafferty Clark (Jerry) and Kristy Jensen Strough (Kristopher) and three great grandchildren, Shea, Willow and Owen. Although Mom lived the last 27 years in Horseheads, her heart always belonged with Woodfield Farm in Odessa. The memories of the farm brought both joy and sadness throughout the years. Over time we had many animals (horses, cows, chickens, turkeys, cats, dogs, fawn, chipmunk, rabbit and bird) and I don't think we were ever denied a pet but there was a clear understanding that we needed to care for them ourselves. Although Mom was only on a horse a few times, she was the expert! At least we let her think she was! Holidays were favorite joys. Gathering together sharing meals, news and memories were abundant. Thanksgivings consisted of food, family, game playing (Tripoli), sharing stories and crochet lessons. As we both look back, we too feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow up on Woodfield Farm and fortunate to have wonderful parents like Mom and Dad. Although Mom had physical challenges in her later years, one of the great pleasures was to be in the garden and to nurture indoor plants which she took care of them until her last day. Mom had a vivacious personality, to say the least, and always made people around her laugh. She was loved by many. Many knew Mom as "Ma Jensen" when she was the Sr. Typist in the Guidance Office at Odessa-Montour Central School. While working at the school, Mom also was the Planning Board Secretary for the Town of Southport. After leaving her position at the school, she became Executive Secretary of Schuyler County Civil Service then promoted to Director of Personnel until her retirement in 1993. She also was a volunteer for the Head Start Program, completed a Regional Program in Reading for Elementary School Teachers and was in the dance group in the classic "South Pacific". After retirement Mom became a certified Nurse Aid which brought her much happiness in helping others. Mom was a member of the National Geographic Society, National Educational Secretaries Association, Catherine Mother's Club, Watkins Glen Zonta Club, Horsehead Elks Club, Elmira Garden Club and Watkins Glen BPW and has received many service awards. She also was the Curry Combs 4-H leader which she enjoyed very much. Mom (and Dad) was very active in the 4-H programs and were always ready with shovel in hand to work the grounds. It was with her involvement in 4-H that she met her dear friend Wanda Centurelli and they continued to be best of friends. Special thanks to Mom's cousin, Janice Mecum, Jeannie, Erica, Alice and Susie who not only took great care of Mom but provided friendship and support. Thank you also to all the staff at CareFirst especially Amanda, Patience, Patsy, Becky, Tammy and Rev. Arthur Jones. Mom would always say how fortunate she has been in life, but it was us who really were the lucky ones. We will miss Mom every day. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY on Friday October 29, 2021 from 6-8 pm. Services for Mrs. Jensen will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday October 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM with Interment directly following in Highland Cemetery (the corner of Jackson Hill and Mitchell Hollow Roads) Montour Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA in Mom's memory. Peggy J. Cafferty Kathy Jensen (Craig Umbehauer)