NORTH BENNINGTON- Ann Marie Jensen, 84, passed away on September 6th, 2022 after a 14 year battle with Alzheimer's. Her battle was not fought alone, but with her caregivers at Fairwinds, Wanda and Wayne King. Her friends; Marny Krause and Jan Goodrich, who not only watched over Ann, but who took Ann's daughter Amy in as their own. Ann's beloved little sister; Susan Mitchell who always helped when Amy needed a break or moral support.
Ann was born August 15th, 1938 in Detroit Michigan. She was the daughter of the late George and Ella (Hopkins) Spranger. Her family relocated to Palatine Bridge, New York. She later attended and graduated from Cortland State Teachers College. Ann met her husband Chuck Jensen (1935-2011) in Lake George, New York and soon after eloped. They made a home for themselves in Bennington. Ann taught school for a while, then together they started the A&W in 1961. In 1963, their son Mark was born and in 1966 Amy was born. Ann helped Chuck develop the business for many years and was his partner in creating what is now known as Jensen's Restaurant.
Ann was all about her family and providing them with a wonderful life. They were all so blessed. One of the joys in her life were antiques and decorating her home. She dragged her family everywhere to find that perfect piece. She also enjoyed tennis and skiing. She was very competitive and taught skiing to many back in the day at Mt. Anthony Country Club. Ann shared her competitive edge with Chuck, she enjoyed supporting her husband in all his sporting events, that took them to locations across New England; as well as, to San Francisco and Sedona. She was also an accomplished Gardener. Friend or foe you still got a tour of the gardens. Ann enjoyed traveling and loved the beach. Ann's friends were part of her circle, they always knew she would be in their corner. In earlier years she was a member of Saint Peters Episcopal Church in Bennington, and later attended St. John the Baptist Church in North Bennington. She loved her beloved Cooper. Ann could not cook but she could set a beautiful table.
Ann also leaves behind her Granddaughter Ella McConway Jensen. Ann was head over heals in love with Ella and so proud of her, even though Ann never really had the opportunity to see her grow up.
"Knowing this day would come you would think I would be more prepared. When Alzheimer's is in the picture you run out of time to ask important information. All I can say is hold your loved ones tight, ask questions before it is too late. Here is to Ann Marie Jensen who is probably already weeding heaven's gardens."
If friends or family should desire; Condolences and or flowers may be sent to Jensen's Restaurant 332 North St. Bennington, Vermont 05201
If friends should desire, contributions in memory of Ann may be made to Fairwinds Residential care home and/or to the Village of Old Bennington C/O Ann Jensen tree/flower memorial fund through the office of the Mahar Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, Vermont 05201