TRAVERSE CITY — Virginia Marie "Ginny" Jensen, 89, of Traverse City, formerly of Flint, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, March 31, 2012, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer.Virginia was born Dec. 19, 1922, in Flint, to Rose (Derwin) and John MacDonald. As a very young woman, she met the love of her life, Thurman E. Jensen, whom she later married on Sept. 7, 1940, at Sacred Heart Church in Flint.Virginia was a very special woman, wife and mother of her time, spending countless hours in the kitchen making nutritious meals and homemade baked goods. Her love of sewing was reflected in the clothes she made for her young family. She was hardworking and honest and raised her children through often very lean times. She set her standards for her children without a word by living them and they followed.With the youngest in school, she began her career life working in Flint's St. Joseph's Hospital Nursery. She later worked in an obstetrician's office and as an optometrist's assistant.In 1995, she and Thurman moved to Traverse City, where they were able to spend many cherished years with family and friends, gardening, and caring for their home.Virginia is survived by her husband of 71 years, Thurman Jensen; children, Sharron Fahey Barrett, of Florissant, Mo., Linda (Wayne) Rose, of Davison, Alicia (Dennis) Kelley, of Plantation, Fla., Mark Jensen (Steven Mulliner), of Traverse City; a daughter in law, Cindy Jensen, of Vassar; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; all of her brothers; a son, Robert Jensen, of Vassar; and grandson, Blair Morse, of Sarasota, Fla.The family would like to express special thanks to the doctors and staff of Munson Hospital and Hospice.A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City, with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.Those wishing to remember Virginia in a tangible way may consider donations to Munson Hospice, c/o Munson Regional Health Care Foundation; buy a friend some flowers; fill out an organ donor card; or do a good deed for someone you may or may not know.Please share thoughts and memories with the family on Virginia's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.Arrangements are being handled by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Traverse City.