"My sister Marian Dexter and Andrea were very good friends when Andrea lived in Racine. I remember her as always smiling and so kind. When we visited Racine at Christmas we would always have to drive by her house and see her Snoopy display! I had kept in touch with her on Facebook after my sister passed away. The last time I heard from her was in October. Your family has my prayers. She was a great lady and so kind to my sister. "
In loving memory of
ANDREA K. LaCOMBE JENSEN
March 26, 1942 - January 8, 2023
Andrea Katharine LaCombe Jensen, 80 of Marquette, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the Trillium House.
Andrea was born on March 26, 1942 at St. Mary's Hospital in Marquette, a daughter of the late James and Patricia (Moore) LaCombe. She was raised in Munising, attending Sacred Heart Grade School and was a 1960 graduate of William G. Mather High School. She was a lifelong area resident.
Andrea was employed for 28 years with J.I. Case Company as an accountant retiring on March 31, 2001.
At the age of 28, Andrea acquired a rare disorder called Sheehan's Syndrome which had a lasting impact on her life. She took piano lessons at age 40 for four years and then played at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans and other local nursing homes as "Keyboard Annie" for many years.
In her free time, Andrea enjoyed scrapbooking, painting and anything with crafts. She was a professional seamstress doing custom sewing for people. She was also known for doing occasional clown gigs.
She is survived by two children, Perry Jensen of Kenosha, WI and Wendy Jensen of Milwaukee, WI; one grandson, Harley Jensen; five siblings, Peter (Irma) LaCombe of Garden Grove, CA, Denise Micolichek of Munising, Gregory LaCombe of Curtis, MI, Michele (Joe) Benson of Munising, and Noel LaCombe of Green Bay, WI. Preceding her in death besides her parents was a brother, Mark LaCombe.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services with the Rev. Gregory Heikkala officiating. A dessert reception will be held at the funeral home immediately following the service. Andrea's memorial service will be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/andrea-k-lacombe-jensen
Andrea's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Georgie Baij, Gigi Jackovich, Linda Eiben and Jeanne Bauman for their tremendous care and support over many years.
Andrea's obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
Tributes
"Sorry I can't be there - I am out of town but know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Louise Jean "
"Loved working Andrea at Case many years ago. We always had a ball when she was around. Used to communicate with her for quite a few years after she left. Even went to visit a few times with Eileen Frederickson. We had a good time while we were up there. Was just thinking about Andrea a few nights ago and was wondering what she was doing. Missed her smiling face and her laughter. God bless. Condolences to the family. "
"Sending our sincere sympathies to Andrea?s family ??"
"Andrea was a dear friend for almost 50 years. We first met in the mid 70s went I started working for the J I Case Co. Our first bond was learning that we both grew up in the UP. It didn't take long to become "Yooper sisters". There has been a ton of wonderful memories made together over the years both in Racine and Marquette. Oh, how I will miss our visits together, your great sense of humor, your teaching new craft creations, your huge hugs and that wonderful smile. Rest in "pain-free" peace my friend Love you! Barb and Rob Polzin"
"I enjoyed keyboard Annie when she came to Norlite. The residents really enjoyed her, too. She was a special lady. "
"Andrea touched each person she knew with her smile and genuine love. An example of Gods love."
"We are so very sorry to hear about Andrea. We were good friends when she was in Racine, and sure have missed her since she moved home. We did stay in contact, and knew she was struggling - but putting up a good fight. She was a beautiful person. May she rest in peace. We shared so much fun and laughter. Sorry to the family for your loss. Andy and Linda Brown"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the LaCombe/Jensen family . We especially remember Mark?s nephew Perry( aka Bo ) and how those two loved talking sports and M football. May God Bless!!! Mark?s friends"
"We met Andrea 13 years ago when our daughter Danielle attended NMU. What a blessing it was to know her. She was such a beautiful spirit with a wonderful smile, sense of humor and lovable hugs. What started out as casual trips to the U.P. turned more frequent creating many great memories. Andrea loved sharing her beloved U.P. with us. On our road trips, she would share stories about her life and adventures. Our days were filled with fun travels, great food and many house projects but the best part is they always ended by taking in one of her favorite sunsets. The day she passed away there was an extraordinary sunset. We knew she was at peace. Rest in Peace Dear Friend with endless sunsets and sunflowers. You?ll forever be in our hearts. Love, your Minnesota PEEPS ~ George and Cheryl Hernandez ?? "
"Andrea was a very dear friend of ours! She played her keyboard for the Sunshine Club through the Cerebral Palsy Agency of Racine County. The friends of the club all loved her music and playing! We have kept in contact all these years and often reminisced about her playing for Sunshine Club. It was hard to see her move from Racine to Marquette! She will be dearly missed by everyone whose life she touched! Rest in peace, Andrea! Hugs and much love, The Lancours - Dennis and Jayne"
"Auntie Sis will always have a special place in my heart. I was blessed enough to have spent a lot of time with her throughout my childhood. She always made me feel so loved, and I miss her already. "
"What a beautiful person with a sense of humor and always a smile. Andrea will be missed by all who knew her."
"Andrea my dear friend, I hope to meet again so we can laugh, work on our crafts, go to the movies, and eat ice cream. Rest in peace and be free of your pain. My condolences to your family! You will be missed greatly!"
"Andrea, (Andy), was a dear friend and classmate. She had the brightest smile and biggest heart. Jim and I stopped by the hospital one time just to hear her play her keyboard. What a gift she shared with others! Will miss her and our visits, especially by her little garden of trees, flowers and her little frogs that was called ?Frog Hollow?. Rest in God?s peace! Jim & Joann Aird (Joann Lasak)"
"Good Times, Good Friends, Good Memories, Rest in Peace Andrea. Sincere condolences to her family."
"Affectionately referred to as ?Auntie Sis? by all of her nieces and nephews, Andrea always made each and every one of us feel special and she gave THE best hugs. She was always on board and willing to help with anything craft related, even spending a weekend helping me sew a lamb costume for my daughter?s first Halloween. That costume has since been worn by several other great nieces and nephews over the years. Auntie Sis taught my daughter how to make jewelry when she was younger and it?s a craft she still enjoys doing to this day. I?m so thankful she was such a big part of mine and my children?s lives growing up and I have many cherished memories I will always hold on to. "
"So sorry to hear about Andrea. Such a beautiful person. Always enjoyed visiting with her and when I would see her when she was playing at the hospital. Here?s to her next chapter. Much love, hugs and prayers to the family. Deb and Dave Fulcher"
"Andrea was one if a kind. So talented, loving and caring. Her quick wit and sense of humor has me smiling even now. I treasured our friendship of over 40 yrs. I will surely miss our Friday night phone calls. You are finally at peace after enduring so much especially these past few years. Love you, Laurie J."
"Andrea was a very special friend and classmate who always had a smile. She loved giving to others and making people happy singing with her keyboard at many nursing homes . She also shared her joy of crafting and sewing with others. She loved Snoopy and had a nice collection. She also had a special area in her yard with a great collection of frogs named Frog Hollow West in honor of an area in Munising area. She also helped with many class reunions. She truly will be missed by so many. God Bless-We Love You "
"Andrea was a wonderful and loving soul. She was a creative individual always sharing her crafts, sewing, paintings, and designs with family and friends. She suffered silently with the aftermath of Sheehan's syndrome. I had the honor and gift of her friendship, guidance and mentorship as a Sheehan Sister with the same autoimmune disease. Your work is done on earth now Keyboard Annie and Ms Snoopy! I miss you and love you dearly-Jan"