Bertha L. Jensen

Bertha Litthauer Jensen, a Warren florist for over 50 years, died Saturday at Shepherd of the Valley nursing home in Niles. She was 102 years old. Born December 21, 1902 in McKees Rocks, PA she was the daughter of the late Julius and Julia Hemple Litthauer. Mrs. Jensen won recognition from the Floral Telegraph Delivery Service, an Industry group, for her creation of The Bridal Studio. This service helped Brides and their Mothers, to plan floral decorations for Brides, Bridesmaids, the Church, home and the reception hall. The FTD recognized this concept as one of the first important marketing concepts in the industry. In August of 1937 she married Arne Jensen, who with his brother had founded Jensen’s Flowers in 1932. Their marriage lasted some 57 years until Arne’s death at the age of 95 in 1997. Their business operated flower shops in Warren and Niles. In 1960 they opened Jensen’s Flowers & Gifts Inc. on Parkman Road in Warren which is currently owned and operated by Peggy Jensen Weller and her husband Tom. She is survived by a son William an advertising executive in New York, a grandson Erik of Cuyahoga Falls, great grandchildren, Evan, Abby, and Ryan, and also by a niece Kay Paajanen of Warren. She was preceded in death by a son, Lance, two brothers Edward and Otto Litthauer and by a sister Selma L. Hill. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2005 from 5 to 7 PM at the Roberts-Clark Chapel and for one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Warren. The Rev. Kelly Faulstich will conduct a funeral service on Thursday at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Warren. Burial will be in Pineview Memorial Park. Material contributions may be made in Bertha’s name to Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home at 1500 McKinley Niles, OH 44446