Jaci Lee Jensen (Dela Cruz), a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, just days after celebrating her 68th birthday.

Born on February 22, 1957, in Seattle, Washington, Jaci spent her early years on the beautiful islands of Kauai and Oahu before moving to Temple, Texas as a teenager. At 17, she married, settled in Houston, and welcomed her daughter, Amber. In her mid-20s, facing the challenges of Houston’s oil bust, Jaci embraced a fresh start in Monterey, California at the encouragement of her brother Charley. There, she built a life filled with adventure - bonding with Charley, creating cherished memories with Amber during summer visits, mastering the art of creative cooking while working in local restaurants, and forging lifelong friendships. It was also in Monterey that she found her passion for real estate, a career that would define much of her life.

Jaci’s journey eventually led her to Phoenix, Arizona after meeting her husband Kent while they were both working in Los Angeles. Their love story spanned 25 years. In the early days of their marriage, Jaci traveled often to be with Kent as he trained racehorses out of town, savoring every moment together despite the distance. At home, she dedicated herself to becoming one of Phoenix’s top realtors, known not just for her expertise but for the deep connections she formed with her clients, many of whom became dear friends. In recent years, she shifted into semi-retirement, allowing more time for travel and peaceful moments at home with Kent.

Jaci had a deep love for nature, music, and maintaining her health. She found serenity in Sedona’s red rocks and Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes, where she loved to hike among mountains, forests, and lava fields. Music was a constant in her life - whether singing along to the radio at the top of her voice or enjoying live performances, she was never one to hold back her joy. She was also passionate about health and wellness, always eager to share the discoveries that improved her quality of life.

Jaci is survived by her devoted husband, Kent Jensen of Phoenix, Arizona; her loving daughter, Amber Waskow of Houston, Texas; her siblings Yvonne Dela Cruz of Austin, Texas, Jeff Hanson of Portland, Oregon, Michelle Nelson of Dallas, Texas, and Elke Dela Cruz of Hilo, Hawaii; stepchildren Jody Kendrick and Wes Jensen of Phoenix, Arizona; and grandchildren Owen and Tyson Kendrick of Phoenix, Arizona. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jane Gonsalves; her father, Albert Dela Cruz; her stepfather, Clifford Hanson; and her beloved siblings, Alberta Dela Cruz, Charley Dela Cruz, and Linda Sullivan.

Jaci’s kindness, humor, feisty spirit, and boundless love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her and being loved by her.

A service to celebrate Jaci’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5th 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Hansen Mortuary Chapel, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020.

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