Raija K. Jensen

Raija Kaarina (Laisi) Jensen, 88, passed away peacefully in her home on June 2, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Raija was born on August, 1931 in Viipuri, Finland to parents Hugo and Ester (Syrjanen) Laisi. She was raised in Laisniemi, Finland until her and her family moved to the United States in 1947. Raija first lived in Brooklyn, NY and then moved to Newark, DE where she graduated from high school.

In November 1956, she married the love of her life, Roy B. Jensen, and together they raised three daughters with whom they cherished. Roy was stationed in the Navy for 20 years, and the family lived in Brooklyn, Germany and Maryland before returning to Newark where she was a stay at home mom. After Roy passed away in 1978, she worked at Hercules until she retired to take care of her grandchildren.

Raija always put others before herself throughout her life and spent her life spoiling her family. Everyone, including non family members, affectionately referred to her as “Granny,” once she became a grandmother, and that’s the name that will live with us in our hearts. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, reading, and crossword puzzles. Raija never lost her love of Finnish culture throughout her life and always rooted for Finland in the Winter Olympics and Formula 1 racing.

Raija was predeceased by her husband Roy in 1978, her brother Risto Laisi of Hollis, NH in 2012, and her niece, Tricia Laisi Hurley in 2008.

Raija is survived by her daughters, Karen Jensen, Robin Jensen (Steve), Sandra Schock (Mark) and grandchildren, Timothy English (Kristen), Matthew English (Molly), Monika Schock, and Kirsten Schock.

A private celebration of life will be provided for immediate family at Beeson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Make A Wish Foundation.

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