Obituary of Debra JENSEN

1953 – 2012

Debra Jensen was born to Benedict and Marion Badry in Wetaskiwin, AB on July 29, 1953 and lived until July 15, 2012 in Calgary, AB.

Between those two dates, Debra lived a remarkable life.

Debra returned to school to earn her high school diploma when she was twenty-nine years old with two small children at home. She went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and her Masters Degree in Religious Studies at the University of Calgary followed by a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Toronto. She became a professor at Mount Royal University in 1997 where she remained a beloved, respected, and influential teacher. She was the heart of her family; she was their support, wisdom, and their conscience. She was passionate about food and cooking, likely a result of her small town upbringing and her mother Marion. All those lucky enough to have Debra in their lives drew from her courage, her insight, and her love. Her experience with cancer was awe inspiring to all who surrounded her. She was indeed small but mighty.

Debra was preceded in death by her father Benedict Badry and survived by her mother Marion Badry. Immediately, she is survived by her spouse Dave Mallard, her daughter Erin (David) Jensen, son Brendan (Duncan) Jensen, her children’s father Brian Jensen, and her siblings Wendy (Steve) Lamden, and Sandra (Gail) Badry. She is further survived by all the friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she influenced and changed.

Funeral Services will be held at The Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (218 – 7th Avenue S.E.) on Friday, July 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

If friends so desire, donations can be made in Debra’s name to Cathedral Church of the Redeemer Music Trust or Building Fund at 403-269-1905. Donations can also be made online in Debra’s name to the Calgary Humane Society at https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/donate/in-memory/

In living memory of Debra Jensen, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200