Dana Mary Jensen was born February 28, 1945 and died February 3, 2016. Her last months seemed to be very happy ones. Her friends gathered around her during the holiday season and shared some tears and much laughter.

She was born in Nebraska, and grew up in the East Bay Area.

Back in the day Dana was a student activist for and against many of the social issues common to the 1960s. She remained passionate about social and environmental causes for her entire life. She left behind many friends in the “City” and the East Bay. It seemed wherever she went she made new friends right away. She was enthusiastic and a fun person to know!

.Dana showed up in Humboldt county in the early ‘70s driving a Karmann Ghia and thinking she was “ALL THAT”!!! But once she saw the beauty and the people of Humboldt County, Dana decided that Humboldt was home. She lived in Panther Gap for several years, ultimately moved to Ferndale, where she lived on and off until the end.

Dana loved to tell stories about the friends she loved. Sentences usually started; “Back in the day….” She had a lot of fond memories of that time. Dana and her friend Mary traveled to China together and this too was the source of many tales

Dana spent the early part of her career working in offices. She decided to become an RN and attended College of the Redwoods RN Program in the early eighties. She worked in emergency, pediatrics, and finally hospice care.

Dana gave birth to one son, Bruce who was adopted as an infant. Dana and Bruce connected as adults and maintained a relationship until the end. Dana also became friends with Bruce’s adoptive parents.

Dana is preceded in death by her parents Frances and Milton Jensen. She is survived by her son Bruce Dodson.

On Saturday, June 11th, at 1pm we will meet at the storage bins in Ferndale on Milton Ave. Dana has a surprise for us. Following, will be a celebration at Ron and Donna McQueen’s house, 5680 Grizzly Bluff Road. Please bring a potluck dish to share. If you have any questions, please call 786-9100.

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The obituary above was submitted by Dana Jensen’s friends. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.