Irene Agnes Jensen Sorensen
SORENSEN, Irene Agnes Jensen, 91, PRESQUE ISLE, March 15, 2016. Arrangements are under the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home.
PRESQUE ISLE – Irene Agnes Jensen Sorensen, 91, passed away at home on March 15, 2016. She was born in New Denmark, Canada, on May 4, 1924, the daughter of Arthur and Agnes (Carlsen) Jensen.
She was predeceased by her husband, Erik N. Sorensen, of nearly 67 years, the love of her life.
Irene attended college in New Brunswick, becoming a wonderful, compassionate teacher. Many students have written her over the years, expressing gratitude for all of the lessons she taught them, most importantly to care for others more than self. She had such patience, and could visualize the potential in her students, using strategies to help them achieve success in subjects and in life.
Irene married Erik Sorensen in 1948, moving to Presque Isle, ME. Here she raised their three daughters, pouring her love and effort into their development and success. She provided a loving, clean, happy home, and was well known for her perfectionist cleaning and wonderful Danish cooking.
She also supported her husband with his successful building contractor business by providing her brilliant accounting mind. Her husband was so proud of her, and would tell others he could not have been as successful without her. Together they made a wonderful team and model for their children for both.
The family always spent much time together boating, water skiing, snowmobiling and skiing. She loved spending time during the summer weekends at their cottage with the family. Irene was always ready to pack food and go on a picnic, fishing or camping trip.
Irene is survived by three daughters: Judith (Judi) Smith and spouse, Harlow Smith of Presque Isle, Alanna Stetson and spouse, John Stetson of Holden, ME, and Corinna Grant and spouse, Kenneth Grant of Presque Isle. She has nine grandchildren: Erik Smith, Jared Smith, Nathaniel Stetson, Sarah Stetson, Rebekah (Stetson) Campbell, Daniel Stetson, Austin Coffin, Tyler Coffin, and McKenzie Boyd. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Carter Smith, William Smith, Brandon Smith, Connor Smith, Jahaan Stetson, Imana Stetson, Ava Stetson, Jericho Stetson, Kaylix Campbell, Isabella Coffin, and William Coffin, all of whom were her delight and joy. She is also survived by three sisters: Mildred Rogers of Bristol, NB, Helen Rogers of Bristol, NB, and Phyllis Deschene of Presque Isle; and her brother, Raynold Jensen of New Denmark, Canada.
She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Percy Jensen of New Denmark, Canada.
Her primary caretaker was her daughter, Corinna Grant. Other caretakers included Raquel Beaulieu, Hospice nurse, Ruth Collins, and AHHS staff.
Friends and family called 12 Noon, Sat. March 19, 2016, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, where funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m., with Pastor Granville Lamb Jr. Immediately following the service, there was a reception n the fellowship hall of the funeral home. Donations may be made in honor of Irene to Maine Muscular Dystrophy Association, 39 Mechanic St., Ste #300, Westbrook, ME, 04092. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
