In Loving Memory of Anneke Jensen: 1943-2022  

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Longtime Boston Harbor resident, Anneke Wilhelmina Jensen, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded with love and family on Nov. 12, 2022, after a brief but valiant fight with cancer.  

Anneke was born in 1943 to Jacobus and Jeannette Jager Gerlings in Bennekom, Holland during the heart of World War II. After her family lost their home and almost all of their possessions during the war, they immigrated to Tacoma in 1947. Growing up, Anneke adjusted well to the American culture and loved to dance, watch Westerns and ride horses.  

Anneke and her family moved to Yelm where she graduated from Yelm High School in 1962. After graduating from Central Washington University with a degree in education, she returned to Yelm High School where she was a beloved art teacher for over 30 years. Her deep connection to art included a focus on pottery and Native American art. In later years, her studio and kiln were an important outlet for her. 

After raising her children and building her dream home there, Anneke was an important anchor of the Boston Harbor community. She enjoyed gardening, antiques and visiting with her wonderful neighbors.The happiest times of Anneke’s life were with her family. She was always incredibly proud of her three children, Erik (Leah), Cullen and Marieke.  

She is survived by her children; sister Marieke (Mike); brother Jay; grandchildren Killian, Carissa, Chance, Anneke, Cash, Jordan (Caytlyn) and Alyssa (Matthew); and adorable great-grandchildren, Nora and Adalynn. She will be dearly missed.