Jacqueline Norton Jensen died unexpectedly on Sept. 19, 2008 at her home in Santa Barbara, Calif. Jackie had just returned from her annual summer sojourn to her family home in Menemsha and had enjoyed visits with her family and friends here. She was a native of Martha’s Vineyard, born in 1925 to Reginald B. and Madeline Norton. Madeline was a French war-bride of World War II; the couple met while Reginald was serving in the Army overseas.

In her early years growing up on the Vineyard, Jackie became an accomplished violin player. She also enjoyed horseback riding with her lifelong friend, Claire Duys. Many days were spent lobstering with her father and watching him steaming the boards to build catboats. She, Bette Carroll and other friends, worked summers as waitresses at the old Home Port restaurant back in the 1930s. She graduated as valedictorian from Tisbury High School.

Jackie was married to Charles Jensen, Esq. for 63 years. They met while she was working at a law firm in Boston and the family eventually settled in Santa Barbara where their two daughters grew up. Jackie enjoyed a long career in the travel business and traveled extensively.

She is survived by her daughters, Terrie and Michelle, and grandsons, Peter and Jeffrey. She also leaves her nieces, Kim Norton Pachico and Julie Norton Adkins, and David Norton and their families. Her brother, Bradford, predeceased her.

There will be a burial service at the Abel’s Hill cemetery on Thursday, August 6 at 11 a.m. and the family invites all who wish to remember Jackie to join them at the cemetery and, following, at their home at 34 Edys Island Way in Menemsha.