Claramae Jensen
February 28, 1934-August 16, 2025
Claramae was born on February 28, 1934, to Charles “Charlie” Edward Bates and Nellie Marquerite (Rumary) Bates at UNMC – Omaha and passed into eternal life on Saturday morning, August 16, 2025, at The Lighthouse Care Facility.
There was a bit of a mix-up on the birth certificate because her mother wanted Clara Mae Bates with Mae as a middle name. However, because of the confusion, it is Claramae – one word!
Claramae attended South High School graduating in 1953, and then went on to attend St. Catherines School of Nursing. Claramae cherished her career as a nurse throughout her life.
Claramae married Woodrow “Woodie” Jensen on September 2, 1960, at the Ralston Community Church in Ralston, NE.
Claramae enjoyed knitting and spending time with her family and friends. She was very generous at knitting scarves, mittens and hats for the Build-A-Blanket group at Ralston UCC.
She was preceded in death by husband, Woodrow “Woodie” Jensen; brothers: Chuck, Marvin, Ray and Harry Bates, and sister, Patricia “Pat” Anderson.
Those left to cherish her memory are daughter, Patrice Jensen, sons, Don (wife, Terry), children: Josh, Adam, Ethan and Caitlyn, Tom (wife, Didith), children, Keana and David; sister, Vickie Bates (husband, Merle Riesgaard); sister-in-law, Judy Wittman (husband, Wayne); many nieces and nephews: and a host of friends.
Claramae had many interests. She was founder of the Girl Scout Softball League (1970’s) and very active as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader and other school activities. Claramae had a long nursing career at both Lutheran Hospital and Bergan Mercy where she worked in the NICU. She previously worked at Dial Telemarketing and had lunch every other month with fellow past co-workers. She occasionally met with past South High Alum (class of ’53) and St. Catherine’s School of Nursing Alums. She loved watching Hallmark movies and old-time classic movies.
VISITATION: Thursday, August 21 from 5:00-7:00PM at West Center Chapel.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:00AM, with Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard Presentation, at Ralston United Church of Christ, 7638 Maywood St., Ralston, NE 68127.
INTERMENT: Graceland Park Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the NE Nurse Honor Guard or to Ralston United Church of Christ.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
2 Comments
So sorry for your loss I have received many homemade gifts like blankets, booties, picture frame where she embroidered for a wedding gift, cookies from both her and Patrice!!! I enjoyed it when we would go to the basketball and football games in high-school with Patrice and Tom being h in band. I was always grateful when we would get a ride to a game.
My parents always enjoyed talking with the family.
Tom, Didith and family, my sincere condolences in the loss of your mother. She sounds like a remarkable woman who left such a mark on this world! In time I hope that memories such as you shared will bring you comfort. Thinking of you all and wishing you comfort and peace.
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