Virginia Lee Jensen, local artist and teacher, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon after a brief illness.

With a BA in art/history, Virginia's passion for art and education carried her through life, serving as a substitute teacher for the Oakland and Vallejo school districts. She was an avid artist who loved to travel to the Monterey Coast where many of her beautiful seascapes were created.

Originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa, Virginia Lee Blenderman was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Avis Blenderman; husband, Lt. Col. Verne M. Jensen; and daughter, Betty Lou Jensen. She is survived by her daughter, Melodie L. (Joe T.) Long; granddaughter, Denise (Gary) Shiner; and four great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

The family is very grateful to her caregivers at Angels Crest Home for their wonderful compassionate care and the Sutter Solano Hospice nurses.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Skyview Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Colonial Chapels, Vallejo.