James Yvonne and Elise

My Aunt Jenna Lee
My Aunt Jenna Lee passed away on Wednesday. As I have tried to put my feelings into words I find it hard. My Aunt Jenna was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. She had a way of making you feel special. Even though I am only one of about 25 nieces I know that I was special to her. She is my Mom’s oldest sister and was diagnosed with Leukemia last year. She had lived four times longer than was initially expected; she had a full year of relatively good health while trying a new drug treatment for leukemia which is amazing. She leaves behind a legacy of family. I am so thankful that she instilled the importance of family in all of us. I am so thankful for a husband, parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles that I am close to and that we can share life and experiences together. I will miss so many things about my Aunt but I know that I will see her again someday.

My cousin Susan put together a beautiful slide show you can view here

Jenna Lee Gleed of Malad, Idaho passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2007 from complications related to Leukemia at the Ogden Regional Medical Center in Ogden, Utah.

Jenna Lee was born July 4, 1935 in Bluewater, New Mexico the oldest daughter of M. Lee and Genevieve Hassell. She attended schools in Bluewater and Grants, New Mexico. Following high school she attended Snow Junior College in Ephraim, Utah where she graduated with an Associates of Arts degree in 1954. It was at Snow College that she met the love of her life Darl Gleed from Malad, Idaho. Jenna Lee and Darl were married August 6, 1954 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho LDS Temple.

Jenna Lee loved to travel and loved the people wherever she lived. Her married life included time in Pocatello, Idaho; Bluewater, New Mexico; Yreka, California; Medford, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Fairbanks, Alaska; Twin Falls, Idaho; Ogden, Utah; Kailua, Hawaii; Mesa, Arizona; and for the past seven years Malad, Idaho where she and Darl have lived following retirement. During her travels and residences she hosted and associated with presidents, governors, political and religious dignitaries, and people from all walks of life. She was an uncommonly perceptive person and touched the lives of all who knew her with her kind and intelligent approach to life and its challenges. She had a marvelous wit and personality that attracted people to her wherever she went. Her husband, her family, and music were her most cherished passions. She loved to be around her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They truly were her joy in life. She loved to play the piano and loved to sing and admired those who had those talents.

Jenna Lee was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many teaching, leadership and music capacities. She especially loved playing the piano for the children in Primary. She was an active member of her communities and she served in many leadership and volunteer positions.

Jenna Lee was preceded in death by her parents, a brother John Hassell, a granddaughter Megan Molyneaux, and a great-granddaughter Lile Maumau. She is survived by her husband, Darl Gleed, six children Julie (Vili) Lolohea, Orem, Utah; Pamela (Dennis) Molyneaux, Kaysville, Utah; Darl Curtis (Michelle) Gleed, Kona, Hawaii; Kendall (Kelly) Gleed, Federal Way, Washington; Christopher (Michelle) Gleed, Orem, Utah; and Jason Gleed, Malad, Idaho; seven brothers and sisters, Wayne (Eva) Hassell, St Petersburg, Russia; Wendell (Sue) Hassell, Arvada, Colorado; Denny (Sandi) Hassell, Pine, Arizona; Earl (Judy) Hassell, Bluewater, New Mexico; LeJean (Randy) Goslar, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Margene (Fred) Olenik, Orem, Utah; Kelly (Cindy) Hassell, Grand Terrance, California and two foster sisters Kat (Steve) Mayne, Bluewater, New Mexico; Kathy Weddle, San Francisco, California. She had 27 grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Jenna Lee was just loved by everyone who met her. She was a perfect mom and a perfect wife. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, July 30, 2007 at the Malad LDS 7th Ward Chapel in Malad, Idaho located at 200 West 400 North. Family and friends may call at the Horsley Funeral Home 132 West 300 North on Sunday evening from 6-8 pm and on Monday morning from 10-11:30 am.