Obituary of Charleen M. Jensen-Fagan

Charleen M. Jensen-Fagan, 80, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends on January 9, 2023. 

Born in Albany, NY to her late parents, Charles G. And Irma M. (Steiner) Knorr, she graduated from Shaker High School in 1960. Her father tragically died when Charleen was an infant, she was raised by her hardworking mother and grandparents, who instilled strong values of family 

She received her Associates Degree in Nursery Education from State University of New York at Cobleskill. Shortly after graduation, she and her childhood friend, Ruth Ann, opened a nursery school.  Charleen met Edward Martin Jensen at a New Year’s party in 1968, and they were married in September of that same year. They started their life together in Charlton, NY, but sadly before the birth of their son, Edward died in a plane crash. 

Charleen remained strong for her son and held a strong faith throughout life’s trials. She was a longtime member of the Burnt Hills Calvary Episcopal Church. For many years, she worked in retail at various stores including Learners, Boelker Ski Shop and Boardsmens. She was an active member in the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake community, she was a Cub Scout den leader, and an active member of the BHBL PTA. In 1982, she received the PTA Founders Day  Award.

During this time, she volunteered for the Charlton Heights Little People Theatre, where she met her loving husband, Robert L. Fagan. They were married in 1983 and blended their families together, she became the proud mother of 2 step-children. Her family moved to Glenville to their forever home, where she hosted many delicious dinners, fun events, and large Thanksgiving gatherings. In the summer months, they vacationed to Maine.

Throughout her life, Charleen had creative abilities, especially when it came to painting. When she was not spending time with family and friends, she had a paint brush in her hand! Over the years, countless art projects beautifully decorated around her home became a business. She was the owner of Forget the Dust, Let’s Paint, member of the Painting Ladies social group, and was a regular vendor at local craft fairs. Even through her decline with Alzheimer’s and severe arthritis, Charleen did not put down the paint brush, her passion and spirit lives on in the beauty she leaves behind. Her family will always remember Charleen and her vivacious personality and dedication to loved ones.

To continue her memory is her husband, Bob Fagan; son, Stephen Jensen and step-sons, Michael (Jacqueline) Fagan, and Joseph (Karin) Fagan; cherished grandchildren, Carolynne Fagan, Michalyn Fagan, Derek Jensen, Katherine Jensen, Natalie Jensen, Emilie Fagan and Erik Fagan; as well as her sister, Gloria Jean Post. 

Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd.  on Friday, January 13th from 5 to 7 PM. Funeral Service will begin at 10 AM the following day, Saturday, January 14th at the Glenville Funeral Home.  Friends and relatives may stream the funeral service on the Glenville Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial and Commital Service by Father Gabriel Morrow will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Charlton, NY on Saturday, June 3rd at 10 AM. A funeral procession will leave the Glenville Funeral Home parking lot at 9:30 AM. 

The family wishes to thank Community Hospice and Calvary Episcopal of Burnt Hills for their compassionate care and irreplaceable support during Charleen’s last months. In lieu of flowers the family would like any contributions in memory of Charleen be made to the Community Hospice Foundation 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208 or to Calvary Episcopal Church Building Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 41, Burnt Hills, NY, 12027. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com