Jane Ann Jensen

Jane Jensen died peacefully at 91 years old at home with her daughters around her. Discarding a body that no longer served her, her soul finally took flight on July 29, 2026. Jane was born in 1935, the second of four daughters, to Margurite and James Lashmett, in the small farm community of Rushville, Illinois. As a child, she was curious and creative, working with her dad in the photography darkroom, singing with her mom and making backyard theater with her friends. Encouraged by her mother, she attended Knox College to study art education. During her junior and senior year, Jane went on a European tour with some cousins and met Poul, a dashing Danish immigrant, on her return home during the nine-day transatlantic cruise. They fell in love, and their fates were sealed! Four years later, in 1960, they married settling eventually in the Chicago area where they welcomed two daughters, first Karen, then Susan. Jane was teaching art in a local grade school. She would often try out her inventive art projects on her daughters first, fostering and nurturing their creative natures. And her camera was ever present in her hand, teaching her daughters about black and white photography, as well. In 1973, Jane and Poul became Baha’is. This spiritual rebirth changed the trajectory of their lives. So emblazoned by their newfound faith, they hosted large firesides in their home. Jane was the consummate host, organizing food and singing along with the musical guests. In 1977 the Jensens went pioneering to the Bahamas. Jane’s love for adventure took on a new level of daring as she discovered the ocean. She became a certified scuba diver and took underwater photography courses. Jane and Poul moved to Panama in 1981. Jane was faced with learning a new culture and language, which she valiantly undertook, camera in hand. Everyone loved Jane with her happy, genuine and fun-loving nature. Her skills as photographer, designer, teacher and host all came into play as she and Poul served in Panama for 15 years. They returned to the States when Jane’s beloved mother began suffering ill health and eventually settled in Bloomington, Indiana twenty-five years ago, after her mother passed away. Encouraged by her sister Sara, fellow artist, this is where Jane’s career as an accomplished watercolorist took off. Turning her photographer’s eye to paint and paper, she became masterful at capturing local scenes and buildings around town and the IU campus. She loved painting flowers, still life, and landscapes, selling them successfully at art fairs and elsewhere. Central to their lives remained their commitment to the vision of the Baha’i Faith of working toward the oneness of humanity. Everyone was welcome in their home, friend or stranger, and Jane always provided loving hospitality. Jane is remembered with great love and affection by friends and family near and far for her radiant smile, tender heart, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. She possessed a rare unjaded delight that she retained throughout her life. She is predeceased by her sister Martha Knight, her husband Poul, and survived by twin sisters Sara Hatch and Sue Chapman, her two daughters Karen Pollock and Susan Jensen Sweeting, four grandchildren Jens-Peder, Britt, Ryan and Scott and great grandson Beau. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37 has been entrusted with the arrangements and a Memorial Service will be held Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Bahai Faith Center 424 South College Mall Road, Bloomington, Indiana 47401. Online condolences, ph

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Jane Ann Jensen

January 26, 1935 - July 29, 2026