Obituary

KAREN MARIE PRICE (JENSMA)
September 2, 1942 – March 16, 2025

We are sad to announce the passing of our dear mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Karen Price, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Karen passed peacefully at her home in Mission Viejo.

Karen Marie Price (Jensma) was born in Artesia, California, on September 2, 1942, to Albert and Jennie Jensma (Kroese). The family lived on a rabbit farm in Elsinore during her first few years, and then they moved to Riverside. When she was 12 the Jensma family moved to Redlands, California where she spent her junior and high school years.

She was married to William (Bill) Price in 1964. They had two sons, David Douglas and Jeffrey Stephen. Karen and Bill moved to Mission Viejo shortly after their marriage, where the family has lived for nearly 60 years.

The Price family was close-knit, and Karen and Bill were very involved in David and Jeff’s activities as they were growing up. Both Karen and Bill supported the boys’ involvement in band, scouting, and many other activities, always loving and supporting them in countless ways.

Karen had many interests, including travel, Bridge, current events, and stitchery. She was also an inquisitive and avid reader. Her passion for travel was well known—she would embark on an adventure with anyone, anywhere, anytime, at the drop of a hat. An excellent Bridge player, Karen reached the level of Life Master. This achievement further enriched her travel experiences, as she traveled the world with her friends at Finesse West Tours, playing Bridge with locals in each country she visited, including Russia, where, as she would often say, they “got their butts kicked” by members of the Russian mafia.

Karen had a biting wit and sharp opinions, which sometimes got her into trouble. But beneath that slightly prickly exterior, she could be incredibly generous and kind. She was a fabulous host, loving nothing more than cooking for a large group and hosting dinner parties, wedding showers, Bridge parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or backyard gatherings. She was a loving and protective wife and mother.

After graduating from Redlands High School in 1960, Karen attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, for a year. She later attended the University of Riverside for a short time, majoring in History and Russian. After raising her boys, Karen completed her education at Cal State University, Fullerton, earning a teaching degree in 1982. She then worked for the Orange County Public Library system for more than 30 years.

Karen’s final five years were difficult. Losing her oldest son David in early 2020 was a major blow. Though dementia gradually took its toll, Karen recognized everyone until the end. She remained the same sharp-witted woman we knew, offering wisecracks to her care givers and allowing us all to share a laugh. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends, but we take comfort in our memories of her in her prime—whether we were traveling, working, or simply enjoying time together.

Karen is survived by her son, Jeffrey Stephen Price; brothers James Allen Jensma and Louis Henry Jensma, and his wife Arline; sister Ihla Jean Crowley (Jensma); and her many nephews, nieces, cousins, and their families, as well as many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her son, David; and her parents, Albert and Jennie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 2:00 p.m. at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, California. A reception will follow the service at the home of Jeff Price, 26611 Saddleback, Mission Viejo.

In lieu of flowers, please share a memory or anecdote of you and Karen in the Guestbook on her Obituary page. If you have a photo to share, please email to ihlacrowley@gmail.com or text to 702-234-6269 (by April 20 please). These memories will be shared at the Celebration of Life service.