Jensen (nee Webster), Catherine Renee (1914-2004)

Because of her community activism, Catherine Jensen was known by many as the unofficial mayor of the West End (Vancouver).  She opposed development proposals and rezoning, and was a key figure in removing the prostitute trade from the West End.  Her efforts helped create the West End Community Centre and Gordon Neighbourhood House.  She frequently expressed her views in the West End Times.

In 1937 she graduated from the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing, and subsequently studied Operating Room Technology in New York.  She worked at VGH from 1937-1940 and 1948-1971, where she set up a post-anesthetic room and participated in the major post WW II advances in modern medicine.  She was particularly moved by her time at Haro Park Children’s Hospital.

Contents of Biographical File

  1. Biographical Information Profile and release form.
  2. Renee Jensen, “Neighbourliness in the West End,” West End Times, July 26, 1995.
  3. “Nurses Strike: Seniors’ Beat”, August 24, 1989.
  4. Reneee Jensen, [article], West End Times, May 22, 1998.
  5. Renee Jensen, “Heritage Is a ‘Non-Renewable’ Resource,” Letter to The Vancouver Sun, August 2, 1995, p. A14.
  6. Letter to Ethel Warbinek, July 28, 1995.
  7. O’Connor, “Polite, Determined Senior Left Her Mark in West End.
  8. Photograph and business card
  9. Obituary